In 2004, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services sponsored a summit meeting entitled "Breaking Down the Barriers to Health Care for Women with Disabilities." Participants discussed the many and varied healthcare challenges facing women with disabilities, especially the need for better access to services. The attitudes and prejudices that often obstruct that access were also identified. Not surprisingly, education was declared a critical "next step" for improving care to this diverse and underserved population.

The Women with Disabilities Education Program was developed to meet that educational need. The concept for the project came from a special task force consisting of practicing physicians and other healthcare professionals who have a strong commitment to providing high-quality medical care for women with disabilities. Initial funding was generously provided by the FISA Foundation and the University of Pittsburgh; funding from other organizations has followed.

Three learning modules (Introduction, Communication and Breast Cancer) have been completed. More are in development. As funding becomes available, additional modules will be added to this important and much-needed project.