Improving Access to Care for People with Disabilities

We encourage providers to advocate for accessible healthcare and to achieve health equity for individuals with disabilities.

Improved physical accessibility to these services is a fundamental component of this effort. The Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) created a guide, developed for healthcare providers, staff, and administrators in outpatient environments. The guide explores various physical challenges that individuals may encounter, provides guidance regarding assessing your facility's accessibility, and describes effective approaches to designing and executing patient-centered care programs and policies.

It's important to note that the steps outlined herein are intended as a starting point for assessment and do not supersede federal, state, or local regulations. For a deeper understanding of unique practice requirements and additional barriers, engaging with experts and individuals with disabilities is highly recommended.

Access the guide today and other resources related to:

• ·Modernizing Health Care to Improve Physical Accessibility
• Modernizing Health Care to Improve Communication Accessibility
• Navigating Health Care with a Disability

Additionally, Disability Help provides information on 10 best practices for accessibility in healthcare facilities, which include:

• Ensuring wheelchair-friendly pathways and ADA-compliant restrooms for physical accessibility
• Providing sign language interpreters and telecommunication relay services for Deaf patients. Implementing digital accessibility standards like Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) for all healthcare websites and electronic records
• Offering disability sensitivity training for staff to improve communication and care
• Making reasonable modifications like early appointments and allowing companions to accommodate patient needs

For additional information please visit Disability Help’s 10 Best Practices for Accessibility in Healthcare Facilities - Resources on Disability Assistance: Your Rights and Benefits.