Abstract

During the presentation I will draw upon my experience of living with autism as well as being both a self-advocate and an inclusive co-researcher.  I will cover the gaps I have experienced in both the medical and nursing professions, which could be overcome through additional training.  Identified gaps will be covered accompanied by suggested strategies covering How to communicate more effectively with people with disabilities, both verbally and non-verbally; Identify lack of physical access to medical and hospital buildings; Practicing how to write easy-read English as it relates to  diagnosis, referrals, remedial exercises;  Ensuring that the person with a disability is spoken to rather than to their family member or the person bringing them to the appointment; Getting in touch with agencies that advocate for people with disability, particularly in the area of health; Being aware of all the accessible tools and materials that are out there to support nursing and medical agencies about what it means to be disabled.

Also included in the presentation will be my own journey of being included in the community through the support of different clubs such as Toastmasters. Knowing more about what community-based organizations can offer in supporting people to overcome social isolation will be promoted as needing to be part of the training for nursing, medical, and allied health students.   My own journey will exemplify how being connected with interest groups in the community goes a long way to overcoming anxiety, which can provide an alternative to medication.      

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) states that people with disabilities have equal rights to access the healthcare they need to live a quality life. Ensuring that medical, nursing and allied health staff are well trained including talks like my own that I will cover in the presentation, is one uch safeguard to healthy evidence-based practice.