First Advisor
Dr. Karen Adkins
Thesis Committee Member(s)
Dr. Lara Narcisi, Dr. Amy Schreier
Reader
Dr. Erin Winterrowd
College
Regis College
Degree Name
BS
Document Type
Thesis - Open Access
Number of Pages
55 pages
Abstract
Women with intellectual disabilities face discrimination in health care because of their gender- and ability- based identities. Among other things, difficulty coordinating complex care and a lack of research into their specific healthcare needs as disabled women reflect standards of care that are problematic and lacking. Research gaps highlight the oppression of this group in health care. In addition to these inadequacies of the health care system, it is difficult for women with intellectual disabilities to conform to social scripts and constructions of femininity that our society praises, and they are often infantilized and patronized in a way that limits their autonomy in sexuality and healthcare settings. This is clearly evident in the example of menstruation suppression. To combat these problems, we must expand our definition of advocacy to include respecting and encouraging autonomy. Disabled voices are often sidelined in conversations surrounding women’s health, when in fact improvements for this population would have far reaching effects for gender justice in the health care field, and increasing knowledge of the issues these women face can help everyone become more informed allies of and advocates for disabled populations. Sex-education, self-care training, and self-advocacy training geared specifically towards intellectually disabled women are tangible ways we can advocate for this population. Most importantly, we must support and respect the dignity of these women as peers and recognize that we are all on the same team.
Date of Award
Spring 2025
Location (Creation)
Denver, Colo.
Copyright
© Eden Almgren
Rights Statement
All content in this Collection is owned by and subject to the exclusive control of Regis University and the authors of the materials. It is available only for research purposes and may not be used in violation of copyright laws or for unlawful purposes. The materials may not be downloaded in whole or in part without permission of the copyright holder or as otherwise authorized in the “fair use” standards of the U.S. copyright laws and regulations.
Recommended Citation
Almgren, Eden, "More than a Footnote: An Exploration of Health Care Marginalization and Self-Advocacy for Women with Intellectual Disabilities" (2025). Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection). 1152.
https://epublications.regis.edu/theses/1152
