Claiming Your Rights: How to be your own patient advocate

The American Disability Act made it illegal to discriminate against people with disabilities. How does that affect people with disabilities as they navigate the healthcare system?

Advocating for yourself or someone else who is disabled can be challenging. Learn how the American Disability Act (ADA) protects people with disabilities. This Civil Rights law will be explained and practical advice on how to be your own patient advocate as you navigate the healthcare system will be shared. Tips will also be given on how to talk to your doctor. Whether you are disabled yourself or a caregiver, family member or friend of someone who is or just interested in the subject, this program will help empower you.

About the presenter:
Barbara Merchant, M.Ed. is a Public Health Access Advocate with the Disability Action Center NW.
The Disability Action Center NW (DAC) is a diverse group of staff, volunteers, and board members, most of whom have disabilities. Together they work to foster the independence and equality of all individuals with disabilities in all aspects of society. They do this through education and community involvement that promotes disability awareness, solutions, accessibility, and self-determination.