ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Many people have contributed greatly to the development of this manual.

Our greatest thanks go to the many women with developmental disabilities who have faced the challenges of gynecological care and helped us 'figure out what works.' We are also indebted to the health care providers who work with these women in a spirit of respect and shared learning.

Kathleen Lankasky, Director of the Women's Health Project at United Cerebral Palsy of the Golden Gate had the original conception of expanding the older Table Manners booklet into a more comprehensive guide to the gynecological exam for women with developmental disabilities; and she directed the project to its completion.

Much of the original content of Beyond Table Manners was developed by Katherine M. Simpson through the Planned Parenthood: Shasta-Diablo Disability Program. Significant contributions were also made by Zoe Lockert under a grant that agency received from the California Health Partnership serving Solano and Napa Counties. The manual's extensive section on Complementary Therapies was written by Maureen Berndt, an expert on acupressure and other complimentary approaches to wellness. The Breast Health Access Project for Women with Disabilities of Alta Bates-Summit Medical Center contributed important information on the issues around breast health access and the breast exam for women with disabilities.

The sections of this manual covering alternative positions for the pelvic exam, transferring, and other special concerns were first published by Planned Parenthood of the Golden Gate in 1981 in a booklet entitled, Table Manners. Special thanks go to this organization for giving permission to expand upon and update their original work.

Significant contributions to content were provided by Susan Dupuis, MPH, Disability Program Manager, Planned Parenthood: Shasta-Diablo, and by Priscilla Abercrombie, N.P., Ph.D. Both women gave the handbook an intense professional review and provided many useful suggestions.

Suzanne Hobesh contributed three original sketches for the body of this manual; and Kevin Taylor provided the cover art. The design and layout of the manual were the work of Designs by Mort.

Lisa Kleinbub, Manager of Health and Behavioral Sciences at the Regional Center of the East Bay was responsible for obtaining and managing the Wellness grant that supported publication of this manual.