Improving Access to Care for People with Disabilities

Addressing the substantial barriers individuals with disabilities often face in accessing healthcare is crucial for achieving health equity. Improved physical accessibility to these services is a fundamental component of this effort. CMS has created a guide, developed for healthcare providers, staff, and administrators in outpatient environments. It 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. Please click the link below to access this guide as well as other resources related to:

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

Click Here: Improving Access to Care for People with Disabilities | CMS

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

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

Click here for additional information: 10 Best Practices for Accessibility in Healthcare Facilities - Resources on Disability Assistance: Your Rights and Benefits