Equal access
Receive healthcare without avoidable disability-related barriers.
Know Your Rights
Healthcare
Understand accessible healthcare, informed choices, respectful communication, and practical ways to ask for support.
Quick Overview
What to keep in mind
Respect and dignity
Be listened to and treated as a person with your own priorities.
Privacy
Discuss personal information in a setting that protects confidentiality.
Informed choices
Receive information in a format you can understand before deciding.
Key Rights / Information
Healthcare should work with you
These are practical starting points. Exact rights and processes can vary by service and location.
Clear information
Ask for explanations, accessible documents, interpretation, or extra time to understand options.
Accessible facilities
Explain any barrier involving entrances, examination spaces, equipment, or waiting areas.
Communication access
Request the communication method that allows you to participate in your care.
Support person
Ask whether a trusted support person can join when that helps you communicate or decide.
Your consent matters
A healthcare decision should be explained before you are asked to agree.
Raise a concern
You can describe a barrier and ask the provider how it will be addressed.
What You Can Do
Turn information into a practical next step
-
1
Plan ahead
Contact the provider before your appointment and explain what you need.
-
2
Prepare
Write down symptoms, medicines, questions, and communication preferences.
-
3
Communicate
Describe the barrier and the adjustment that would make the visit usable.
-
4
Ask for support
Bring a trusted person or request communication support when appropriate.
-
5
Follow up
Keep notes and ask for the next step in writing if a concern is unresolved.
Common Situations
A clearer way to respond
The clinic entrance is not accessible
Call ahead, describe the barrier, and ask for an accessible route or alternative arrangement.
I cannot understand the information
Ask for plain language, a different format, interpretation, or more time.
Equipment does not meet my needs
Explain what makes the equipment unusable and ask about a safe alternative.
My support request was dismissed
Repeat the request in writing and ask who manages accessibility concerns.
Support
Contact the team
Need help accessing healthcare?
Tell us what barrier you are facing and we can help you identify a practical next step.