Image Descriptions: Better Health for People with Disabilities

Better health for people with disabilities.  World Health Organization

Over 1 billion people globally experience disability. 1 in 7 people.

People with disabilities have the same general health care needs as others but they are:

• 2x more likely to find health care providers' skills and facilities inadequate
• 3x more likely to be denied health care
• 4x more likely to be treated badly in the health care system

1/2 of people with disabilties cannot afford health care.

They are 50% more likely to suffer catastrophic health expenditure. These out-of-pocket health care payments can push a family into poverty.

Reahbilitation and assistive devices can enable people with disabilities to be independent.

• 200 million people need glasses or other low-vision devices and do not have access to them.
• 70 million people need a wheelchair. Only 5-15% have access to one.
• 360 million people globally have moderate to profound hearing loss. Production of hearing aids only meets
  • 10% of global need
  • 3% of developing countries' needs

Making all health care services accessible to people with disabilities is achievable and will reduce unacceptable health disparities.

• remove physical barries to health facilities, information, and equipment
• make health care affordable
• train all health care workers in disability issues including rights
• invest in specific services such as rehabilitation

Source: World Report on Disability: www.who.int/disabilities/world_report