Table 1 The general goals and specific objectives of the curriculum to teach medical students to care for people with disabilities.

Goal 1: To build general knowledge of common disabilities, and to dispel misconceptions and misunderstandings

Students will acquire knowledge about patient-centered care for patients with disabilities including:

• the types, nature, frequency and causes of common disabilities;

• the common health and behavioral problems in people with disabilities;

• the impact of a disability on the individual and his/her family;

• the available community resources, services, and medical and non-medical referrals;

• the principles and clinical approaches to meeting the needs of people with disabilities.

Goal 2: To instill altruistic attitudes and commitment to patient-centered care for people with disabilities.

Students will demonstrate attitudes which promote patient-centered care for patients with disabilities including:

• looking beyond the disability and seeing the individual;

• respecting and appreciating the rights and wishes of people with a disabilities;

• being open to examining one's own attitudes about disability;

• respecting care givers' and families' input and needs.

Goal 3: To foster skills necessary for patient-centered care for people with disabilities.

Students will demonstrate skills for caring for patients with disabilities including:

• effective communication with people with disabilities and with their families;

• effective physical examination, assessment and

• diagnosis of people with disabilities;

• appropriate handling of "patient consent" prior to invasive procedures;

• appropriate referral to and ability to access and interact with community organizations and specialists.