As a pioneering quadriplegic fashion designer, Carol Taylor has won numerous awards for promoting inclusion. She is presently undergoing intense treatment as she continues her war on breast cancer. While she’s seen her hair disappear through the process of multiple rounds of chemotherapy, Grace just finished her fourth treatment cycle. Taylor’s story quickly uncovers her deeper, more personal issues with the breast screening program. It further lays bare the systemic problems that women with disabilities encounter while navigating Australia’s healthcare system.
Carol’s mammogram was carried out at Breast Screen Queensland’s mobile clinic. Without question, her husband Robert was both her rock and her champion during the entire experience. This was not without obstacles. At first, we had to cancel her appointment, as she couldn’t even stand with help. No longer unable to stand for 23 years, she is now able to stand up briefly. This raises serious concerns about the ability of people with disabilities to use essential health services.
The Intersection of Disability and Health Care
Carol Taylor’s story is symbolic of the systemic challenges that all women with disabilities face when trying to access appropriate healthcare. They’re not even aware that Australia’s breast screening program takes a “patchwork” approach, she said. This frequently results in women such as her in receiving less information and access to screenings.
“I felt I was just put into the too-hard bin,” – Carol Taylor
This sentiment speaks to the larger frustration of anyone who has a hard time getting the healthcare they need when they need it. Taylor’s experience is a perfect example of how systemic barriers contribute to longer time to diagnosis and treatment. She highlights the importance of accessibility in healthcare, noting, “That can only result in negative impacts for early detection and survival rates.”
Dr. Yi Yang supports this assertion, stating, “What we found for breast cancer is that people with disability are more likely to miss out on breast cancer screening that can help with early detection.” This surprising trend highlights the urgent need for change within the health system to provide equitable and timely access for all women, regardless of where they live.
Carol’s Resilience and Creativity
In spite of her diagnosis and the physical limitations she has, Carol Taylor is still proving everyone wrong through her artistic creativity. Being the world’s first quadriplegic fashion designer, she altered her artistic outlets to fit her new normal. Taylor has adapted paintbrushes to better suit her painting methods and has taken a liking to watercolors.
Her artistic journey has been, and continues to be, a healing experience for herself and a form of inspiration for those who are going through the same challenges. Through it all, Carol’s resolve to create has provided her the greatest peace. It has thoroughly empowered her to take agency over her body and her experiences back.
“Standing for me is something I haven’t done for 23 years,” – Carol Taylor
This extraordinary accomplishment is a testament to her strength and determination. It motivates everyone around them who may otherwise feel limited by their environment. By sharing her story, Taylor hopes to educate the public about the unique challenges that people with disabilities encounter. Her goal is to effect changes that will make their access to healthcare services more equitable.
Calls for Systemic Change
Carol’s story has resonated deeply with advocates and health professionals from all across the nation. It has opened up vital discussions about the immediate need for systemic changes in breast screening protocols nationwide. Kirsten Pilatti of Breast Cancer Network Australia emphasized the urgency of this issue, stating, “This is not the first time we have heard that people with disabilities have felt traumatized, isolated, and even shamed with breast screening.”
Among other things, Pilatti supports reforms that would make breast screening programs more inclusive and user-friendly. She asserts that “that is why our breast screening program right across Australia must be accessible.” It is imperative that we address these disparities. It can significantly increase early detection and survival rates for women who struggle with the same challenges.
Dr. Phil Lucas from Queensland Health echoed this sentiment, affirming that “we are reviewing our screening and service protocols to identify where we can better support people with disabilities who need to undertake imaging services.” These programs work together to ensure equity in healthcare for all. They make sure that no woman has to face additional barriers to receiving the crucial screenings she needs.
