Access Barriers for Persons with Disabilities

Individuals with disabilities constitute a marginalized group in health services research, and their experiences within the health-care system are not well understood. This article examines the access barriers to primary, specialist, and rehabilitative care, and their consequences for individuals' health, functioning, well-being, and health services utilization. The findings are based on an in-depth analysis of 30 qualitative interviews. Access problems are grouped into environmental, structural, and process barriers. The findings highlight the complex nature of access barriers for people with disabilities and underscore the importance of disability literacy in the health service delivery process.