Women’s Health Resources

When you first call, ask to speak to an office administrator if possible to get your questions answered. Be sure to note their name for future reference.
Let the office staff know if you need specific accommodations.
Know the width of your wheelchair. Let the office staff know if you are using a power or manual wheelchair. If they have a larger room, ask if they can reserve that exam room for you.
Tell the scheduler that your appointment may take a little longer. They may want to schedule your appointment right before lunch or at a time of day that allows for extra time.
Bring a caregiver with you to help if needed.
Consider wearing clothing that is easy to remove if necessary for your exam.
Determine if you need to bring equipment to assist you with positioning, transfers, or bladder management. Bring hand sanitizer or antibacterial wipes in case you are unable to access the bathroom sink.
Know the height of your vehicle if it’s oversized. Be aware of barriers within the parking structure for oversized vehicles.

Is there accessible parking near the entrance to the building?
Does the accessible parking offer adequate room adjacent to the parking space to allow for a wheelchair ramp to extend?
Are the parking areas, walkways, and entrances to the building covered for weather protection?
If there is a parking structure, is there a clearance height of at least 8 feet?

Are automatic doors located at interior and exterior entrances?
Is the front entrance accessible with ramp and curb cut?
Are doorways to the office entrance, bathrooms, and exam rooms at least 32 inches wide?

Are shelves with patient supplies and specimen cabinet within reach from a seated position?
Is there enough space for a 5-foot-wide turning radius within the room?
Is there a grab bar located near the toilet?

I am unable to use a standard scale. How would you recommend I get weighed?
Do you have enough space next to the exam table to accommodate my wheelchair? (2.5 feet x 4 feet required)
Do you have an exam table that can lower? (17-19 inches off floor is recommended) If so, can it be reserved for my appointment?
Do you have additional staff to help me move from my wheelchair to the exam table, or should I bring my lift?
Would your mammography machine lower enough to accommodate a woman in a seated position? If not, what modifications can be made so I can have a mammogram?

Understanding women’s health with spinal cord injury