Healthcare Access

For short videos, webinar recordings, and factsheets produced in collaboration with the Oregon Health Authority in 2024, visit this webpage.
 
This Healthcare Toolkit provides information for healthcare providers and for individuals with disabilities about accessible healthcare.
 
Accessibility of hospitals, doctors' offices, clinics, and healthcare programs is essential in providing healthcare to people with disabilities. Due to a variety of physical and communication barriers, as well as a lack of staff training, individuals with disabilities are less likely to get routine preventative medical care than people without disabilities. Ensuring barrier-free services and providing accommodations offers people with disabilities greater opportunities for equal and accessible healthcare services.
 
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires access to healthcare services and programs and the facilities where they are provided. Private hospitals and healthcare offices are covered by Title III of the ADA as places of public accommodation. Public hospitals, clinics and medical offices operated by state and local governments are covered by Title II of the ADA as programs of the public entities.
 
Both Title II and Title III of the ADA require that medical care providers provide individuals with disabilities:
    •    full and equal access to their healthcare services, facilities, and diagnostic equipment; and
    •    provide auxiliary aids and services to ensure effective communication, such as qualified American Sign
         Language interpreters, and alternative formats to print materials