Advocating for Tomorrow.
“To be an activist is to speak. To be an advocate is to listen. Society can’t move forward without both.” – Eva Marie Lewis
The Facts Are Clear
In the landscape of healthcare, there exists a stark reality that demands our attention and action. For individuals with developmental disabilities and mental health needs, the statistics are sobering and indeed, atrocious. They are often denied life-saving treatments, turned away from routine preventative health care, and disregarded as reliable communicators of their own symptoms. These injustices are perpetuated by hurtful biases that suggest they are incapable or unworthy of receiving proper medical care.
Shockingly, 1-in-3 people with a disability in the United States do not have access to primary health care at all. This systemic neglect and discrimination not only deprive individuals with disabilities of their fundamental rights but also contribute to a cycle of health disparities that must be urgently addressed.
At CRi, we know first-hand about the challenges adults with disabilities face in accessing adequate healthcare. As advocates for inclusivity and equality, it is imperative that we confront these disparities head-on.
Challenges Faced by Individuals
People with disabilities and mental health needs often encounter numerous challenges in accessing adequate care. These challenges can include limited availability of specialized services, financial barriers, stigma, and lack of understanding and accommodations in various settings. These barriers not only affect the individuals directly but also impact their families and communities:
Importance of Accessible and Quality Care: Access to accessible and quality care is essential for individuals with disabilities and mental health needs to live fulfilling lives. It enables them to access necessary treatments, therapies, and support services that promote their well-being, independence, and inclusion in society. Moreover, improved access to care contributes to reducing stigma, enhancing community integration, and fostering a more inclusive society for all.
Advocacy Efforts and Solutions: Advocacy plays a crucial role in driving positive change and ensuring that the voices of individuals with disabilities and mental health needs are heard. Organizations, policymakers, healthcare providers, and communities must work together to advocate for policies and initiatives that promote equitable access to care. This includes investing in inclusive healthcare systems, increasing funding for mental health services, implementing anti-discrimination measures, and providing education and training on disability awareness and accommodations.
Empowerment and Support: Empowering individuals with disabilities and mental health needs involves providing them with the tools, resources, and opportunities to actively participate in decision-making processes that affect their lives. This includes promoting self-advocacy, peer support networks, and initiatives that promote independence, autonomy, and meaningful inclusion in all aspects of society.
We work collectively with the community, local partners, members of local government, and other stakeholders to explore and implement actionable steps towards creating a more equitable world for all. Please join us in our mission to empower and support every individual, regardless of ability, on their journey towards holistic well-being, choice, respect, and the resources needed to live a fulfilling life with dignity and purpose.
Improving access to better care for people with disabilities and mental health needs is not just a moral imperative but also a fundamental human right. It requires collective action, advocacy, and a dedication to creating inclusive and supportive environments where everyone can thrive. Let us continue to work together towards a future where access to quality care is a reality for all individuals, regardless of their abilities or mental health challenges.