Disability + Access

Disabilities are very common – one in five people who live in Victoria has a disability.

Women and people living with disabilities have the same right to access health services and health information as everyone. This includes sexual and reproductive health.

However, getting access to appropriate health care can be difficult for many people living with disabilities because of prejudice and discrimination.

Disabilities and sexual health

Many women and people with disabilities enjoy intimate relationships and have active sex lives.

The stigma and prejudice that persists around disability and sex, however, means many women and people living with disabilities have less access to sexual health information and services than non-disabled people.

This can be due to many reasons including:

• A false but commonly held view in society that women and people living with disabilities don’t have sex
• Some health professionals don’t view people with disabilities as having sexual health needs
• Parents, carers and support workers may not provide the support needed for the person to access sexual health information and services
• Some health professionals may not allow people with disabilities to make decisions about their own sexual health care
• Services and information are not always accessible to people with specific needs

Accessing sexual and reproductive health care

If you have a disability, or are advocating on behalf of someone with a disability, 1800 My Options can help you find appropriate sexual and reproductive healthcare.

Contact us on 1800 696 784 (Weekdays 9am – 5pm), or email [email protected]

National Relay Service

1800 My Options welcomes calls through the National Relay Service if you are d/Deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech communication difficulty. Choose your access option (information here) and provide our number (1800 696 784) when asked by the relay officer. You can also call the NRS Helpdesk on 1800 555 660 or text 0416 001 350 for assistance.