ABSTRACT
"Because I was on a ventilator, I couldn't speak up to explain that I was born with cerebral palsy." Family friends relayed additional concerns about their children who have autism and other sensory needs. Because these children were unable to wear masks for extended periods, their perceived "noncompliance" frequently prevented them from accessing public spaces. Thirty years after the passage ofthe Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the National Council of Disability's 2021 report revealed the persistent scarcity and utilization of accessible medical diagnostic equipment.6 The scope and severity of these issues are alarming, especially in the context ofthe aging nation and increasing prevalence of "long COVID," now recognized as a disability under the ADA.7 Without accessible health care clinics, screenings, and services, health care disparities will continue to worsen. The COVID-19 pandemic accentuated the necessity for public health leaders to address inequities by employing a disability-conscious approach. [...]the ongoing dialogue between health care students around the country, amplified by the testimony of the disability community, represents a critical moment.