(Courtesy of Pacific ADA Center)
If you are a person with a disability, you have rights when you receive health services and treatment.
Types of medical providers covered
- Hospitals
- Doctor’s office
- Nursing Home
- Dentist
- Chiropractor
- Psychologist/Psychiatrist
- Counselor/Therapist
- Therapy clinics
- Pharmacy
- Insurance companies
Your rights
You have the right to visit your medical provider in an accessible facility.
Examples:
- Doors wide enough for your wheelchair
- Accessible parking spaces
- A route without stairs
- Hallways without chairs, plants or other obstacles that make navigation difficult
You have the right to receive services that are appropriate for you.
Examples:
- Have your nurse or doctor wear a mask to protect you if you are more likely to get sick or have a weakened immune system
- Get a full and complete health care exam and be treated in or our of your wheelchair
- Have a telehealth visit if you are unable to drive due to your disability, when seeing your doctor in person isn’t necessary
- Get assistance with tranferring to exam or surgery tables, dental chairs, and testing equipment like x-ray or CT machines.
You have the right to have information shared with you in a way that you can understand.
Examples:
- Have forms read to you if you have a vision or learning disability
- Have medical information explained to you in more detail if you have trouble understanding. This can include being shown pictures or videos that help explain.
- Have a qualified ASL interpreter to communicate with your doctor
- Have instructions provided in large print, electronic format, or in Braille
Exceptions
Yes, a medical provider can refuse to make changes for you if it is an “undue burden.”
A change would be an undue burden if it is very difficult or expensive to do. It also depends on the size and budget of the provider.
