Happy ADA day!
The Americans with Disability Act (ADA) was signed into law 32 years ago today. The White House issued a statement yesterday regarding this declaration of equality stating, “this landmark legislation has been a driving force in moving America closer to the promise of equal opportunity, full participation, independent living, and economic self-sufficiency for the 61 million individuals with disabilities in our country.”
The issues regarding health care access for people with disability are well described here: https://adata.org/research_brief/health-care-access-and-ada . I hear stories with almost every customer about the struggles with accessing their health system from transportation, their insurance, the provider and staff attitudes, and the lack of communication. For me, I try to be a more disability competent diabetes care and education specialist by consciously evaluating my skill set and setting goals where I lack aptitude. The Villanova University Caring for People with Disability tool kit helps me recognize and address those deficiencies. It is in the files section or here: https://www1.villanova.edu/villanova/nursing/community/npsknowdisabilitycare.html
Please take a few minutes to reflect on how your diabetes education program can ensure that people with disabilities have the same opportunities and benefits available to those without disabilities. The ADA is a floor, not a ceiling. It is important that we consciously more toward more access in the environment, technologies, and services. When these things are naturally built into the health care system, it will be easier for all individuals to get what they need, not just people with disability.
This webinar is of interest to me and might be for you as well:
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Tuesday, August 16, 2022 1:00 p.m. CST:
Health Care Access for Patients with Cognitive Disabilities
People with cognitive disabilities (such as intellectual, learning, communication, Autism, ADHD, and psychiatric disabilities) face numerous barriers to maximizing their health and full potential. During this session, learn how reasonable modifications of policies, practices and procedures ensure that people with cognitive disabilities have access to the care they need. Participants will have an opportunity to pose questions to the speakers following the presentation.
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Resources:
https://adata.org/factsheet/ADA-overview
https://adata.org/factsheet/customer-service-business
Accessibility at Drive-Thru Medical Sites
Accessible Health Care
Accessible Medical Diagnostic Equipment
Accessible Medical Examination Tables and Chairs
Health Care and the Americans With Disabilities Act
Healthcare and Face Coverings: Reducing Communication Barriers for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Patients
Research Brief: Health Care Access and the ADA
https://adata.org/factsheet/food-service
https://adata.org/factsheet/wheelchairs
https://adata.org/factsheet/sign-language-interpreters
https://adata.org/guide/service-animals-and-emotional-support-animals