The short answer
People with disabilities have the right to cancer care that is accessible to them. That can mean accommodations for communication, mobility, sensory needs, or understanding information, plus accessible equipment and extra time. Asking for accommodations early, and bringing a trusted advocate, can help care go more smoothly.
You have the right to reasonable accommodations so cancer care is accessible to you.
Accommodations can include sign language interpreters, accessible exam equipment, extra time, or information in plain language or other formats.
Telling the care team about your needs early helps them prepare before appointments.
A trusted family member, friend, or advocate can help communicate needs and remember information.
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The full explanation.
The short version
People with disabilities have the right to cancer care that is accessible to them. Depending on your needs, that can mean accommodations for communication, mobility, sensory needs, or understanding information — plus accessible equipment and extra time. Telling your care team about your needs early, and bringing a trusted advocate, can help everything go more smoothly and prevent delays in care.
Care should adjust to you
Good care meets you where you are. Whether your disability affects mobility, vision, hearing, communication, learning, or something else, the health system is generally expected to make reasonable accommodations so you can get the same quality of care as anyone else. Asking for these supports is not asking for a favor — it is part of accessible healthcare.
Kinds of accommodations you can ask for
Needs vary widely, and so do accommodations. Examples include:
- Communication: a sign language interpreter, captioning, or written notes.
- Understanding information: plain-language explanations, large print, or materials in another format.
- Mobility and equipment: accessible exam tables, imaging equipment you can use safely, and help moving around.
- Time and pacing: longer appointments so nothing feels rushed.
- Support: having a trusted person with you, and help with transportation.
You know your needs best, so it is fine to be specific.
Ask early, before the appointment
The most helpful step is often to describe your needs when you schedule. That gives the team time to arrange an interpreter, reserve accessible equipment, or set aside extra time. Arriving to find a barrier is frustrating; a heads-up usually prevents it. If something is missing when you arrive, it is reasonable to ask for an alternative.
Making sure you understand your care
Understanding your diagnosis and choices is part of safe treatment. You can ask for information in a format that works for you, request that things be repeated, take notes, or bring someone who helps you understand and remember. If a document needs signing, you can ask for it to be explained in a way you fully understand first.
Don't let barriers cause you to skip screening
Sometimes barriers — like an exam table that does not adjust, or a facility that seems hard to navigate — lead people to put off screening or care. That can turn into delays that matter. It is worth asking ahead whether accessible equipment is available or whether an accessible option can be arranged, so that important screening and treatment are not skipped.
Who can help
If you hit an access problem, a hospital patient advocate or social worker can often help resolve it and find the right supports. Useful questions include what accommodations the team can arrange, whether the screening and imaging equipment fits your needs, whether information can come in a format that works for you, and who to contact about access issues. You deserve care that works for your body and your life.
Words to know
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Common questions
▸What accommodations can I ask for during cancer care?
Depending on your needs, you can ask for things like a sign language interpreter, written or plain-language information, accessible exam tables and imaging equipment, extra appointment time, help with transportation, or a support person. It helps to describe your needs when scheduling so the team can prepare.
▸Do hospitals have to make care accessible?
Healthcare providers are generally expected to offer reasonable accommodations so people with disabilities can access care. If a barrier comes up, it is reasonable to raise it, ask for an alternative, and request help from a patient advocate or social worker.
▸How can I make sure I understand my treatment?
You can ask for information in plain language, in writing, in large print, or another format that works for you. It is fine to ask for things to be repeated, to take notes, to record a conversation if allowed, or to bring someone who can help you understand and remember.
▸What if screening equipment isn't accessible to me?
Barriers like exam tables that do not adjust can lead to missed screening. It is worth asking ahead of time whether accessible equipment is available, or whether the facility can arrange an accessible option, so that screening is not skipped.
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
Your care team's answer depends on your treatment — ask them directly.
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