Health needs of women with disabilities across the lifespan

Abstract

Women with disabilities experience a variety of unique health needs from adolescence to older age. They require compassionate and comprehensive health care services to manage their physical disabilities and to prevent secondary conditions. Unfortunately, many women with disabilities encounter attitudinal, informational, environmental, and geographic barriers as they seek access to health care. A variety of measures can be implemented to overcome these barriers and to improve the quality of health care that women with disabilities receive. © 2007 AWHONN, the Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses.