ABSTRACT
The relationship between disability and health is complex and often misunderstood. People with disabilities are not necessarily ill, but they may be more vulnerable to poor health. This vulnerability is both because of the structural inequalities that they face and as a consequence of their underlying health conditions and/or impairments. As a result, people with disabilities will often have greater needs for healthcare in their everyday lives, both general healthcare as well as specialised impairment-focused health services. Unfortunately, they often face difficulties accessing these services due to a variety of barriers. The everyday health of disabled people must be assured by the provision of equitable health services which recognise their needs as well as their rights to good health in the context of disablement. These issues are considered in this chapter in general, and also specifically through case studies presented from both high- and low-resource settings.
