At Amber’s Legacy, we are committed to raising awareness about cervical cancer and ensuring everyone has equal access to life-saving healthcare services. Today, we shine a spotlight on Elizabeth Campbell, a passionate advocate for people with additional needs, who shares her personal insights on the challenges faced when accessing smear tests.

Elizabeth, who is a wheelchair user due to a physical disability and also has a learning disability, has graciously shared her experiences to highlight the barriers that individuals like her encounter and the changes that are urgently needed. Here is what she had to say:

**"Good afternoon,

I want to share my views and opinions regarding receiving smear tests as someone with a learning disability and wheelchair user due to a physical disability. There are multiple things I find challenging when it comes to having my smear test.

Here is my list of challenges:

Easy Read Information: Clear, simple, and visually supportive information is essential for people with learning disabilities to understand what a smear test involves and why it’s important.

Extra Time at Appointments: Many of us need additional time to feel comfortable, ask questions, and ensure the procedure is carried out with patience and understanding.

Someone to Accompany You to Appointments: Having a trusted person for support can make a significant difference, both emotionally and practically.

Accessible Beds: Healthcare facilities must ensure examination beds are fully accessible for wheelchair users and individuals with physical disabilities.

Video Demonstrations: Watching a video beforehand can help explain the process in an accessible way, reducing anxiety and ensuring people know what to expect.

I am happy to support any efforts to address these challenges and advocate for people with additional needs."

Kind regards, Elizabeth Campbell (Lizzy) **

Elizabeth’s compelling message highlights the pressing need for inclusive and empathetic healthcare services. Tackling these barriers can make cervical screening more accessible and empowering for individuals of all abilities.

At Amber’s Legacy, we stand with Elizabeth and others like her in advocating for improvements and are committed to developing materials such as information leaflets and posters to address these challenges and support those with additional needs. 

Elizabeth’s voice is a powerful reminder of the work we must do to create a healthcare system that serves everyone equally. Let’s join hands to break down these barriers and ensure no one is left behind in the fight against cervical cancer.

If Elizabeth’s story resonates with you or if you have ideas on how we can further improve accessibility, we’d love to hear from you admin@amberslegacy.com. 

Together, we can make a difference.