Cmaj Podcasts

Send us a textMedicine remains frequently inaccessible to people with disabilities, despite their higher-than-average need for healthcare services. On this episode of the CMAJ Podcast, Dr. Blair Bigham and Dr. Mojola Omole tackle the systemic barriers that patients with disabilities face, from inaccessible clinic spaces to discriminatory attitudes.The discussion is inspired by the CMAJ practice article, "Five ways to support people who use wheelchairs," authored by Dr. Lisa Freeman. Dr. Freeman, a public health and preventative medicine physician who uses a wheelchair, shares her lived experiences navigating a healthcare system riddled with obstacles. She introduces practical steps that physicians can take to make their practices more inclusive, such as improving communication, ensuring referrals are effective, and addressing physical accessibility.David Lepofsky, chair of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act Alliance, explains the legal obligations that healthcare providers must me