Disabilityinmedicine_dacmed

Plain graphic with text: "Apply! Leadership roles now open: president, vice president, communications lead, social media & design lead, gme liaison deadline March 27th, 2026."

We invite you to apply!

President: forms.gle/ArE8wjkfMp2R...

Vice President: forms.gle/8dVrZtfxg5Zb...

Communications Lead: forms.gle/BPdWFqLByHsY...

Social Media & Design Lead: forms.gle/NA9VgW35ByiL...

GME Liaison: forms.gle/9X7tAzQP7jev...

Website: dacmednational.wixsite.com/dacmed

Educational flyer for the Disability Advocacy Coalition in Medicine (DAC Med). The background is dark green with yellow accents and a logo featuring a caduceus. The text reads: "WANT TO START A DAC MED CHAPTER at your school? We are looking for passionate student leaders who want to learn more about starting a chapter! Join our interest meeting this Sunday to learn how to get involved!" Event Details: WHEN: This Sunday, January 25th TIME: 6-7pm EST WHERE: Via Zoom (Link in Bio)

If you want to bring our vital mission to your campus, we want to meet you.
Join our interest meeting this Sunday to learn how to get involved!
🗓 WHEN: This Sunday,January 25th ⏰ TIME:6-7pm EST📍 WHERE: Via Zoom (Link in Bio)

Graphic with a teal headline reading “Healthcare isn’t accessible until it includes everyone.” Below, text explains that new U.S. Department of Justice and HHS federal healthcare access standards have been issued requiring accessible medical equipment in clinics and hospitals, including exam tables, weight scales, mammography machines, and patient transfer equipment, so they are usable by people with disabilities. The graphic emphasizes that inaccessible equipment blocks care and states that policy without accountability is insufficient, calling for enforcement, training, and standards to ensure true access rather than minimal compliance. Decorative geometric accents appear along the borders.

Major policy changes are happening in healthcare accessibility right now, including new federal standards requiring accessible medical diagnostic equipment in clinics and hospitals. These standards aim to fix a fundamental barrier.

We must push beyond compliance to culture change.

Dark background graphic with a light border titled “The 5-Minute Accessibility Audit.” Text reads, “What if accessibility wasn’t a policy… but a habit?” Below is a checklist labeled “5-Minute Audit Checklist,” with bullet points asking whether a wheelchair user can enter the space, whether call buttons are reachable from the bed or chair, whether lighting is sensory-friendly, whether instructions are available in more than one format, and whether a patient can ask for help without shame. The graphic ends with the statement: “If the answer isn’t ‘yes,’ the system needs work — not the patient.”

What if accessibility wasn’t a policy…
but a habit?

Check out our 5-minute audit checklist!

If the answer isn’t ‘yes,’ the system needs work — not the patient.

Beige background with orange and red abstract shapes. The title reads “The Unseen Disability Checklist.” Text states, “Not all disabilities are visible. Not all needs are obvious. Not all patients feel safe asking.” A list labeled “Invisible disability examples” includes chronic pain, autism/sensory processing, POTS/dysautonomia, autoimmune disease, traumatic brain injury, and mental health conditions.

We’re trained to notice what’s visible. But some of the most disabling conditions are the ones you can’t see. Patients with invisible disabilities are more likely to be dismissed, undertreated, or labeled “difficult”. Better care starts with humility, not assumptions.

Text on a plain graphic stating: “Ableism in healthcare isn’t just personal—it’s structural. Even digital tools meant to help can amplify bias. That’s why disability-conscious care must start with awareness, not assumption.”

Disability Ethics and EHR Accessibility argues that many electronic health records (EHRs) remain inaccessible to people with disabilities (visual, cognitive, physical, etc.), creating systemic barriers to care. Read more about this article here: doi: 10.1001/amajethics.2025.815.

Infographic titled 'Disability Belongs in Med School Admissions.' The data points are presented on color-coded rectangles. The peach-colored sections state: 'Disabled people = 25% of the U.S.' and 'Med students who report disability $\approx$ 4–7%.' The green-colored sections state: 'The gap isn't ability — it's barriers in admissions' and 'Disability is diversity. Disabled people belong in medicine

The AMA Journal of Ethics explores how admissions can become more inclusive and supportive, from clear accommodations to flexible technical standards.
Disability is diversity. Every aspiring physician belongs.
Read more:https://journalofethics.ama-assn.org/article/how-should-we-build-disability

A dark green memorial graphic featuring a centered photo of Alice Wong. She is sitting in her power wheelchair wearing a colorful outfit, with her ventilator tubing visible. Above the photo, white text reads “Alice Wong” and “1974–2025.” Below the photo, white text reads “Disability Justice Advocate & Writer” and “Honoring Her Life and Legacy.”

A dark green background with a rounded beige box containing black text honoring Alice Wong. The text describes her as a trailblazing activist, author, and founder of the Disability Visibility Project, and mentions how her books amplified disabled stories. At the bottom are three tilted book covers: “Disability Intimacy,” “Disability Visibility,” and “Year of the Tiger.”

Rest in power, Alice Wong (1974–2025).
A visionary disability justice leader, writer, and storyteller whose impact will continue to shape generations. Alice dedicated her life to amplifying disabled voices and reminding the world that disability is culture, community, and power.

A graphic with a tan background and brown text that reads, "DID YOU KNOW? 26% of U.S. adults have a disability... yet medical students often get little training on how to care for them. Based on a recent review: PMC10324844."

A graphic with a light brown background and white text that reads, "Inclusive healthcare starts in medical school. Teaching future doctors to care for people with disabilities can reduce healthcare disparities." Below the text is a silhouette image of a diverse group of people, including adults, children, and a person in a wheelchair. At the bottom, it provides the link: "pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10324844/".

Disability is common, but medical education often overlooks how to care for people with disabilities , contributing to healthcare disparities.

A recent review (PMC10324844) highlights the history, current challenges, and best practices for preparing future doctors to provide inclusive care.

🩺 Medical Students with “Invisible” Disabilities Are Changing Medicine

At Harvard Medical School, students with disabilities are leading change, reshaping medical education, advocating for inclusion, and improving patient care through empathy and lived experience.
hms.harvard.edu/news/medical...

🎉 Today’s the day — the 5th Annual DACmed Conference is here! 🎉
If you registered, log in now and join the research presentations, breakout sessions, and more! 💻✨

#DACmed #5thAnnualConference #MedicalConference #ResearchDay #VirtualEvent #JoinUs

Plain graphic displaying countdown number 1 against light yellow graphic. Text displays the date and time of the conference "10:00 AM to 3:30 PM CDT".

It's the final countdown! Don't forget to join us on October 18, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM CDT. We can't wait to see you there!

Graphic displaying number 2 countdown until the conference against a plain background. Meet the team and an arrow shown at the bottom to go to the next page.

Graphic displaying DAC Med conference planning committee. Showing appreciation to all who helped in contributing to conference planning.

Only 2 days until the DAC conference! We want to give a quick appreciation to everyone who has helped in making this conference possible! We are incredibly excited to share invaluable experiences and research at our conference. Together, we can all reimagine clinical excellence!

Bold countdown to conference text '03' on plain background visual with arrow pointing to next page.

Graphic describing connect with us platforms for DACmed. Website dacmednational.wixsite.com/dacmed. Email dacmed.national@gmail.com. Instagram @disabilityinmedicine_dacmed. LinkedIn @dacmed. Twitter @dac_med. BlueSky @disabilityinmed.bsky.social.

Only 3 days left until the 5th Annual National DACmed Conference! With the date rapidly approaching, be sure to connect with us on all platforms!

promotional countdown graphic on a golden-brown background with light green and white text. It reads: "COUNTDOWN TO CONFERENCE." Below that, a large digital-style flip counter shows "04." At the bottom, it says "DIVE INTO RESEARCH!" with a large white arrow pointing to the right, indicating a slide or page turn.

A conference promotional graphic on a golden-brown background with white text. The main text reads: "WE'RE EXCITED TO FEATURE RESEARCH BREAKOUT ROOMS!" and "10-MINUTE TALKS + 5 MINUTES FOR Q&A." The graphic encourages participation with the phrases: "EXPLORE NEW IDEAS. SHARE YOUR WORK. JOIN THE CONVERSATION." The bottom section shows a row of accessibility icons in white on a colorful banner: an accessible seating symbol, an open captioning symbol, a sign language symbol, a white cane symbol for vision impairment, and a head with a brain outline symbol.

📣 Dive Into Research!

Only 4 days left until the 5th Annual National DACmed Conference!

We’re spotlighting one of the most exciting parts of the weekend : The Research Breakout Rooms! 🧠✨

A promotional graphic on a dark green background with light green and white text. It reads: "COUNTDOWN TO CONFERENCE." Below that, a large digital-style flip counter shows "05." At the bottom, it says "MEET THE SPEAKERS" with a large white arrow pointing to the right, indicating a slide or page turn.

A promotional speaker announcement on a dark green background. Text reads: "WE'RE HONORED TO WELCOME DR. LISA MEEKS, A NATIONAL LEADER IN DISABILITY INCLUSION IN MEDICINE! AS AN ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE DOCS WITH DISABILITIES INITIATIVE, DR. MEEKS HAS DEDICATED HER CAREER TO BUILDING ACCESS, REPRESENTATION, AND COMMUNITY FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS WITH DISABILITIES. CATCH HER INSIGHTS AT THE 5TH ANNUAL NATIONAL DACMED CONFERENCE!" A professional photo of Dr. Lisa Meeks, a blonde woman smiling, is at the bottom right.

promotional speaker announcement on a dark green background. Text reads: "MEET DR. RISHI AGRAWAL! DR. AGRAWAL IS A PROFESSOR OF PEDIATRICS AT NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY AND A PEDIATRICIAN AT LA RABIDA CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL. WHERE HE CARES FOR CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES AND MEDICAL COMPLEXITY. HE ALSO SERVES AS CHAIR OF THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS' COUNCIL ON CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES." A headshot of Dr. Rishi Agrawal, a man with glasses and a button-down shirt and tie, is displayed in a green circle on the left.

💬 Meet the changemakers behind the sessions!
Our incredible lineup of speakers is ready to share insights and ideas that are transforming medical education and healthcare.
#DACmedConference #HealthcareInnovation #InclusiveCare"

A bright yellow background with large green flip-style numbers “06” in the center. Text above reads “Countdown to Conference” and below says “What to Expect” with a green arrow pointing right. The design feels clean, bold, and energetic, signaling six days left until the DACmed Conference.

A yellow background with white text at the top reading “Here’s what’s waiting for you at the DACmed.” Below, bold green text says “Conference:” followed by a bullet list of highlights — keynote speaker, expert panels, networking opportunities, and student presentations. At the bottom is a blue-and-white schedule showing the conference program overview in CST, including sessions with Dr. Lisa Meeks and Dr. Rishi Agrawal.

✨ Here’s what’s coming at DACmed:
🩺 Workshops
🎤 Talks
🤝 Networking
It’s more than a conference—it’s a movement.

🎉 The countdown is ON!
We’re officially 7 days away from the 5th Annual National DACmed Conference! 💙

Get ready for a week packed with sneak peeks, highlights, and stories as we count down to a weekend full of inspiration, innovation, and inclusion in medical education

⏳ Don’t miss out!

The last day to register for the 5th Annual National DACmed Conference is Saturday, October 11 at 11:59 PM
forms.office.com/pages/respon...

This landmark piece by Dr. Lisa Meeks highlights the need for equal access and inclusion for residents with disabilities in medicine.
We’re honored to share that Dr. Meeks will be the keynote speaker at this year’s DAC Conference leading the conversation on disability inclusion in medical education!

💙 Disability Awareness in Medical Education Matters!
A new study shows that integrating disability awareness into medical school curricula significantly improves students’ attitudes toward people with disabilities (PWD).
#DACmed #DisabilityAwareness #InclusiveHealthcare #MedEd #EmpathyInMedicine

Did you know?
From 22–28 September 2025, the world celebrates International Week of Deaf People!

This year’s theme: ‘No Human Rights Without Sign Language Rights’. 👐
It’s a week to raise awareness, celebrate deaf culture, and advocate for sign language rights worldwide.
wfdeaf.org/internationa...

5th Annual DAC Med National Virtual Conference Registration is free of charge and can be completed by completing the form! This is a virtual conference, and a Zoom link will be provided after the registration form is completed. Form link: forms.office.com/pages/respon...

📢 Abstract submissions are OPEN for the 5th Annual National DAC Med Conference!

🗓️ Saturday, Oct 18, 2025 (virtual & FREE)
Theme: Reimagining Clinical Excellence: How Disability Makes Medicine Better
#DACMed2025 #DisabilityInMedicine #FreeConference #HealthEquity #MedEd