“Full and Equal Access”: A Socio-Ecological Model of Healthcare Ableism Experienced by the Blind and the Low Vision Community

Authors

• Rebecca Fischbein, Northeast Ohio Medical University
• Rachel Conrad Bracken, Northeast Ohio Medical University
• Allyson S. Hughes, Ohio University
• Rayyan Bhutta, Ohio University
• Nazanin M. Heydarian, The University of Texas Rio Grande ValleyFollow

Document Type

Book Chapter

Publication Date

2026

Abstract

In 2023, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) designated people with disabilities as a population experiencing health disparities, citing “a wide and varying range of health conditions leading to poorer health and shorter lifespan” and “discrimination, inequality and exclusionary structural practices” contributing to pervasive health inequities. As blindness and low vision (BLV) become increasingly common due to an aging population coupled with higher rates of type 2 diabetes, more people who are BLV will require quality care. Yet, people who are BLV face many barriers to care, including healthcare provider and staff (HCP) ableism. In this chapter, we propose a socio-ecological framework to organize what is currently known regarding healthcare ableism experienced by people who are BLV. We provide evidence for this framework using our research in the field, as well as previously published research from other disability experts focused on healthcare professional education. We further suggest that assessment of HCP ableism and related interventions should adopt this framework as a foundation for HCP ableism research based in the BLV population. We propose the need for further research as well as potential interventions to address problematic healthcare systems and practices that promote ableism and health disparities.

Comments

Copyright © 2026 by Nova Science Publishers, Inc.

Recommended Citation

Fischbein, R., Bracken, R. C., Hughes, A. S., Bhutta, R., & Heydarian, N. M. (2026). “Full and Equal Access”: A Socio-Ecological Model of Healthcare Ableism Experienced by the Blind and the Low Vision Community. In C. M. Lepkowsky (Ed.), Systemic Ableism: Critical Perspectives on Disability, Equity, and Access (pp. 157–176). Nova Science Publishers, Inc. https://doi.org/10.52305/QTWP6822

First Page

157

Last Page

176

Publication Title

Systemic Ableism: Critical Perspectives on Disability, Equity, and Access

DOI

10.52305/QTWP6822