ACCESS for Women

ACCESS Program Contact

Dr. Kate McCarthy-Barnett V/TTY 401-822-7984 E-mail: accessforwomen@aol.com

When a woman has a disability, it does not make her any less of a woman. She is still at the same risk for breast cancer.

RIBCC’s ACCESS program recognized

The RIBCC ACCESS for Women with Disabilities Program received a $25,000 award from the National Breast Cancer Coalition for Best Practices in Breast Cancer Advocacy. The RIBCC ACCESS program was presented at the NBCC Annual Advocacy Training Conference in Washington D.C. We were also invited to present the ACCESS program at the 2008 Department of Defense “Era of Hope” Breast Cancer Conference in Baltimore, MD. Kate McCarthy-Barnett, EdD, is the ACCESS program manager and presented the program at both meetings. For information about the program, visit our web site at www.breastcancerri.org or email your questions to accessforwomen@aol.com

ACCESS for Women with Disabilities©

The ACCESS Program provides the following:

Consumer Services

■ breast health, cancer and psychosocial materials available in alternative formats

■ breast health education

■ needs assessment

■ match accommodation needs to facility

■ scheduling support

■ mammography & clinical breast exam

■ interpreter services

■ coordination of transportation

■ link to federal/state free screening programs

■ volunteer companion

■ individual and group support

■ annual appointment follow-up

■ alternative format resource library

Provider Education & Training

■ disability skills and sensitivity awareness

■ importance of clinical breast exams and mammography for women with disabilities

■ legal access requirements

■ accommodation & technology consultations

■ on-site presentations

Community Education Programs

■ healthcare rights of women with disabilities

■ importance of quality care, clinical breast exam & mammogram

■ networking with disability organizations

■ advocacy and the politics of breast cancer