This study aimed to identify the healthcare needs of people with disabilities, from the subjects' perspective. We conducted a qualitative study, through the life history technique. The study included people with congenital or acquired physical, hearing and visual disabilities who were attended through the Brazilian national health system (SUS). Their experience of disability; independence, autonomy and support; access and rights; the meaning of the interventions; and actions and strategies were discussed. In relation to healthcare needs, eleven strands were listed: access; psychosocial support; general health issues; autonomy and independence; dispensing of assistive technology equipment and devices; information/guidance; prevention/early diagnosis; recognition and guaranteeing of rights; (re)encountering of meaningful activities; validation and help in building subjects' own coping strategies; and bonding with healthcare professional. It was found that the needs identified by the subjects included specific aspects of healthcare, but also encompassed other dimensions, thus indicating the importance of comprehensive intersectoral actions.
Disabled persons; Health needs; Life history; Qualitative research
