The impact of genetic technologies on perceptions of disability

Advances in human genetics will profoundly affect many medical specialties, including obstetrics, genetics, internal medicine, pediatrics and family medicine. Studies show that communication between health care professionals and patients is biased, in part, by the professionals' prior experiences, knowledge, and attitudes toward disability. Little research has been performed to assess these attitudes in the context of genetic disability. The authors present: (1) a brief overview of the development in genetic technologies and disability, (2) a review of the literature around health care provider knowledge and attitudes focusing on disability, (3) a discussion of current disability education in medical curricula, and (4) suggestions for preparing health care providers to deal with issues of genetics and disability.