From Transition Letter Attachment Sent by a Coalition of Consumer Controlled Organizations led by AAPD (12/22/08):
Improve Health Care
Background:
·
The Institute of Medicine reports persons with disabilities comprise
the largest and most important health care consumer group with an estimated
49.7 million members in 2000.
·
People with disabilities experience significant health inequities and
health disparities.
·
People with disabilities experience poorer health and a higher
prevalence of secondary conditions. They use more health care and fewer
preventive services than others.
·
People with disabilities face barriers to care including, but not
limited to:
§ provider stereotypes about
disabilities and lack of knowledge or appropriate training to treat people with
disabilities, including intellectual disabilities;
§ lack of accessible medical facilities
and examination equipment;
§ failure to provide necessary
accommodations to access care, including qualified sign language inter-preters,
assistive communication technology (AAC), and other means to effective
communication.
·
One in three people with disabilities report delaying care, skipping
medication, or going without needed equipment due to cost or coverage that limits or prevents their access to the
following critical tools and interventions that enable independence and
self-determination:
·
prescription drugs, durable medical equipment, such as wheelchairs,
grab bars, raised toilet seats, breathing devices, hearing aids, and corrective
lenses;
·
necessary specialists; post-acute and rehabilitative services;
long-term care; and care coordination.
Long Term Goals:
Ensure
comprehensive health care reform provides meaningful access to health care,
including mental health care, and adequate coverage to meet the needs of people
with disabilities;
Short Term Goals:
·
Work with Congress to ensure the upcoming health care reform debate
includes all issues of concern to people with disabilities, including access
requirements of ADA and Section 504 in health care delivery.
·
Issue an Executive Order instructing the Secretary of HHS to include
“individuals with disabilities” in all federal programs that address health
disparities and health inequities and work with Congress to ensure inclusion in
all health disparities and inequities legislation and in Healthy People 2020.
·
Work with Congress to advance the Promoting Wellness for Individuals
with Disabilities Act, which establishes accessibility standards for medical
diagnostic equipment, creates grants for specialized wellness programs, and
promotes training of medical and dental personnel in how to treat individuals
with disabilities, including intellectual disabilities.
·
Ensure the Economic Stimulus Package includes requirements to make
school facilities accessible, such as health clinics, gymnasiums, playgrounds,
and sports fields, and invite individuals with disabilities and community
groups to use them for health, fitness, recreation, and wellness programs.
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