You have the right to care that works for you.
For disabled people, getting good healthcare can be difficult. You have the right to ask for accommodations: changes that make your appointment safer, easier, or more comfortable for you, like extra time, a different exam table, or communication support. These tools help you ask for the accommodations you need and make informed decisions about your healthcare.
Jump to what you need
You can follow the path below, or pick any section you want to explore. Jump to whatever you need. You do not have to do everything in one day.
STEP 4
Talk to your provider about what screenings you should get
Preventive screenings are tests that check for disease before you feel sick. You need different screenings at different ages. A screening timeline can help you see which ones apply to you. Before your check-up, look at your timeline. Then, at your check-up, talk to your healthcare provider about which screenings you need. Together, you can make a plan to get screened.
Note: Choose the timeline based on the sex you were assigned at birth.
STEP 5
Learn more about screenings and accommodations
Pick the screening you want to learn about. Each guide explains the steps and the accommodations you can ask for during that screening.
During questionnaire screenings:
- You may be asked about your mood, alcohol or drug use, or past experiences.
- You can ask questions, and you do not have to answer everything.
STEP 6
Get your preventive screenings
Schedule and attend the screening appointments your care team recommends. Each place should work with you to meet your needs.
What to bring to each screening:
- Your completed Healthcare Accommodation Checklist.
- Your completed Screening Accommodation Guide(s).
- A list of your current doctors and any referral paperwork.
What to expect:
- You may be referred to different places for different screenings.
- Each place should work with you to meet your needs.
- You can schedule screenings at times that work for you.
Remember:
- Take your time to work through these resources. You do not have to finish everything at once.
- Yearly check-ups are made for talking about preventive care and screenings.
- You have the right to accessible healthcare under the ADA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
- Your doctor should help coordinate accessible screening appointments based on your needs.
- If you have questions about your rights, contact your state disability rights organization. Find your state’s organization here.
Questions?
If you have questions about screenings, accommodations, or finding accessible screening locations, you can ask:
A healthcare facility
- Your healthcare provider during your yearly check-up.
- Patient navigators or social workers at your facility.
In your community
- Visit FindHelp.org for free or reduced-cost care near you.
- Call 211 or visit 211.org to find your state or local 211 for free health, food, and support services.
- Visit the Disability Information and Access Line for local resources.
- Call your local hospital about community screening programs.
These resources are free to use and adapt under a Creative Commons license. See Using These Resources and Image and Icon Credits.
This program is supported by the U.S. CDC of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $974,773.00 with 100% funded by CDC/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CDC/HHS, or the U.S. Government.