Women with Disabilities

Women with disabilities face substantial barriers to obtaining health care services. They are more likely than nondisabled women to smoke cigarettes, to be obese or overweight, to be physically inactive, and to report depressive symptoms, anxiety, and fears. Women with disabilities are often stigmatized as being asexual and experience higher rates of domestic partner and in-home abuse. Physical, communication, and attitudinal barriers within the health care system may prevent women with disabilities from receiving the care they need. This module discusses the definition of disability, prevalence and demographics of disability among US women, health conditions and risk factors, and general considerations in caring for women with disabilities. Selected health issues in caring for women with disabilities, including reproductive and parental rights, menstruation and fertility, contraception, preconception counseling, and menopause, are also discussed. Tables review components of the International Classification of Functioning, Health and Disability, examples of disability definitions, disability indicators using National Health Interview Survey data, health conditions causing chronic m