Disability

What exactly are disabilities?
Disabilities are limitations in usual, daily activities due to chronic conditions and include physical and mental limitations arising from a variety of health conditions.

Why are disabilities an issue for women?
In the United States, according to a 2007 American Community Survey, over 15% of Americans report experiencing disabilities. More than 50% are women. Women with disabilities often do not receive necessary health care because of:

• lack of transportation and support services,
• inability to locate accessible exam tables,
• lack of reproductive health care,
• some physician’s lack of awareness and knowledge about disabilities,
• other accessibility issues.

What is the OWH doing about women with disabilities?

To address the specific conditions of women with disabilities, the OWH provided representation on the Disability Health & Wellness Advisory Board through the Department of Human Services, Division of Disability Services. The Advisory Board is a consumer-driven, cross-disability group with members from across New Jersey. The Board is charged with promoting healthy living and prevention of secondary conditions. The Advisory Board's aim is to:

• Provide guidance to project staff and collaborators
• Help plan specific activities for the NJ Strategic Plan
• Educate the public health and human service communities  

The OWH also participated in the Advisory Committee on Violence Against Women with Disabilities. The group is developing informational materials about this issue to address accessibility, as well as other factors that impact women with disabilities who are at risk or in need of services.

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's (RWJF) statewide grantmaking program, New Jersey Initiatives, awarded a three-year grant to Department of Human Services (DHS) Division of Disability Services (DDS) to develop materials through a training project called "The Unheard Voice: Addressing Violence Against Women with Disabilities."

A number of resources and informational materials are now available on the DDS website to assist women and providers.