The short answer
People with disabilities can face added barriers to timely, high-quality cancer care. Accessibility should be planned before the visit and should not depend only on technology or a family caregiver.
Tell the clinic what access is needed before arrival.
Ask who owns accommodations across departments.
Technology should support, not replace, human help.
A navigator can help coordinate repeated needs.
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The full explanation.
Plan access before arrival
When scheduling, describe the access you need and ask which person will confirm it. Needs may involve the building, exam equipment, transfers, hearing or vision, communication, memory, fatigue, or technology.
Physical access
Ask about parking and drop-off, wheelchair routes, accessible bathrooms, exam tables, scales, imaging equipment, and safe transfer assistance. Tell the clinic if pain, weakness, or fatigue changes what you can do.
Communication and sensory access
Ask for sign-language interpretation, captioning, large print, screen-reader-friendly files, quiet space, plain language, or extra time as needed. Ask how the same support will follow you to imaging, infusion, surgery, and the hospital.
Cognitive and technology access
Request short written steps, one contact person, reminders, or permission for a trusted support person. The President's Cancer Panel states that technology should augment rather than replace human interaction and should not be required for access to quality care.
Use a navigator
A navigator can help prevent people from having to renegotiate the same accommodation in every department. Ask that access needs be documented accurately and reviewed when the treatment setting changes.
Words to know
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Common questions
What access needs can be discussed?
Examples include wheelchair access, safe transfers, accessible exam equipment, interpretation, large print, plain-language instructions, extra processing time, or help using portals.
Why ask before the visit?
Planning gives the clinic time to arrange equipment, communication support, transportation, or a longer appointment.
Can navigation help?
The President's Cancer Panel identifies people with disabilities among groups facing care disparities and recommends person-centered navigation that does not require technology access.
Questions to ask your doctor
Being prepared helps you get the most out of your appointments. Save or print these questions.
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Your next step
Turn this guide into a short list for your care team.
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