Action Alert: Send Stories of Inaccessible Medical Services and Equipment

*** Take Action ***  Report Problems Accessing Medical Services or Equipment: inaccessible tables, inadequate lifting practices at medical clinics, etc.

to Jennifer Wolfsheimer at 202-370-3210 or jwolfsheimer@equalrightscenter.org

From The Equal Rights Center (12/8/09):

New Initiative Examines Accessibility of Health Care System

 

In response to complaints about inaccessible medical services and equipment, the Equal Rights Center (ERC) has launched a new initiative aimed at eliminating this form of discrimination.  The initiative began after three ERC members who use wheelchairs called the ERC to report denial of services, inaccessible tables, and inadequate lifting practices at medical clinics in Washington, D.C. 

 

“The inaccessibility of basic medical equipment, such as examination tables, seriously compromises the quality of care individuals with disabilities receive,” said ERC Executive Director, Don Kahl.  “Not providing equal preventative and urgent care services to a large segment of our population is not only illegal but also a disservice to our entire country.”  

 

These complaints are not the first encountered by the ERC in addressing accessibility barriers.  In 2005 the ERC advocated for accessible medical facilities and reached a settlement with Washington Hospital Center, which mandated that medical facilities, such as examination rooms, examination tables and other medical equipment be made accessible.  The settlement also addressed inadequacies in policies and procedures to ensure that patients with disabilities receive the assistance they need to eat, drink, and otherwise care for themselves.

 

“A health center should be a place of safe harbor for all individuals,” said Jennifer Wolfsheimer, the ERC’s Disability Rights Manager.  “Equal treatment at health centers not only improves the wellbeing of the individuals who visit, but also improves the lives of the entire community through a more healthy and active citizenry.”

 

In an effort to ensure people with disabilities do not encounter similar forms of discrimination, the ERC has began an initiative to educate people with disabilities about their rights and health care providers about their responsibilities and, when necessary, advocacy and enforcement directed at those who violate the laws protecting people with disabilities.

 

If you or anyone you know have encountered accessibility issues at a health facility or if you would like to get involved in this initiative please contact Jennifer Wolfsheimer at 202-370-3210 or jwolfsheimer@equalrightscenter.org

Comments

[Susan D]

Dear Jennifer,
I have a Primary Care Physician who does not have a wheelchair accessible restroom, and doesn't have an accessible exam table, and doesn't have an accessible X-Ray machine. One day I accidentally fell out of my wheelchair at my apartment complex and sprained my foot. I went to his office and he referred me to the outpatient clinic at the nearby hospital for an X-Ray. I never get a proper exam in his office. I hate going there, but I cannot seem to get any information about where doctors are who have accessible exam tables, except those associated with the hospitals, which charge more to Medicaid.

I have more to share.

Susan D.
Houston, Texas

[Forced to use the elevator]

I hope you do not consider this a trivial matter of accessibility; however, I would like you to be aware that many hospitals force people to take elevators and refuse to allow them to use the stairs.

Use of elevators causes me to experience spatial disorientation, including dizziness, and, for this reason I prefer to use the stairs. However, I was recently denied stairway access at a Santa Rosa, Calif. medical facility.

The medical personnel cited "security" interests in forcing me to use the elevator.

Through formal requests for accommodation, I have successfully obtained stairway use in a California Superior Court facility, citing propriceptive dysfunction. However, I do not know what recourse I have to request similar accommodation at hospitals.

[Marcie B. Goldstein]

Jennifer,

Many of the doctor's office that are located in the Washington Hospital Center still have inaccessible examing tables. Even though the lawsuit was settled.

[Judy Coleman]

Your e-mail address didn't work, and I don't have long distance. If you have a working e-mail address you could send me, I do have an issue to discuss. Thanks. -Judy C