Mission Statement
AMSA's subcommittee on Disabilities' primary goals are to educate the medical community about disability related issues, to provide support and serve as a resource for medical students with disabilities, and to identify the barriers that have prevented qualified individuals from entering or staying in the field of medicine. We hope to change the biases and inequities in the healthcare system in order to ensure that persons with disabilities are recognized for their abilities, not their disabilities.

Importance of Our Mission
Although all medical providers will encounter patients with disabilities, medical schools do not adequately prepare them to deliver quality care to these individuals. An awareness of the issues faced by a person with a disability is crucial to raising our standard of care. We need to clarify what it means to be disabled and to better understand the needs of individuals with disabilities.

What You Can Do
This community and its issues are complex. It is the responsibility of both individuals with disabilities and the community of health professionals to educate and become educated in these areas. Individuals with disabilities are commonly prevented from entering the field of medicine because of questions about ability, appropriateness and qualifications. Our group is a source of support and advocacy for these individuals. We welcome all interested advocates, whether or not you have a disability. The members want you to know that this is a safe, dignified and empowering environment where we gather together to support each other in our efforts to achieve our goals. Your membership is strictly confidential.

GET INVOLVED

• AMSA-Special Olympics Partnership
  Volunteer along with your classmates at local Special Olympics events and gain a unique insight into these amazing athletes and yourselves.
  
  
• 12 Months of Awareness
  
  
• Projects in a Box
  
  
• Medical School and Students with Disabilities Questionnaire
  Tell us your story! Help your fellow medical and pre-medical students by answering this short questionnaire.
  
  
• AMSA's Local Project Directory
  See what AMSA chapters around the world are doing OR submit your chapter's local project to share with fellow students.