ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on disability awareness and effective communication as fundamental in the delivery of care and support, in the context of legislative and organisational developments, which together seek to ensure equal access to services for all parents. To deliver supportive, high-quality maternity services designed around women's and their babies' needs, disabled women's experiences need to be included within mainstream planning and delivery of care. The chapter examines issues relevant to disabled women in anticipating and having children and key messages for midwives and other professionals involved in their care. Disabled people's needs in relation to impairment are of course important: professionals should distinguish between support requirements emanating from impairment-related issues. Disabled parents are diverse in relation to socio-economic position, ethnicity, gender, sexuality and their own life histories. Ending disability discrimination and upholding rights has been a key focus of legislation.
