Presenters: Abbey MacLellan, Marihan Farid, Zachary Ford, Andria Bianchi
This session tackles how ableism—bias against people with disabilities—appears in healthcare, both through individual actions and within the broader system. We’ll look at ways healthcare providers, including medical students, can actively work to reduce ableism. A particular focus will be on the importance of respecting the right of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to make their own healthcare choices. The session will introduce models like supported and shared decision-making, which empower people with disabilities to have a meaningful say in their care.
After this session, you will be able to:
- Recognize common ableist attitudes that can impact healthcare.
- Reflect on personal perspectives around disability and ableism and their effect on patient care.
- Understand and describe decision-making models that promote ethical, patient-centered care.