Accessibility & Health

October 2024

Public entities often adopt policies and practices without considering their impact on people with disabilities. What seems like a neutral practice can hinder their participation.

The ADA mandates that these entities make

"reasonable modifications" to accommodate individuals with disabilities when needed.

Any modification that would result in a “fundamental alteration” – a change in the essential nature of the entity’s programs or services – is not required.

Providing accommodations for someone with a disability in public health programming requires getting to know the person's strengths and needs, and may require some creativity.

Here are some examples of reasonable accommodations that a local health department might implement under the ADA:

1. Accessible Facilities: Ensuring that entrances, restrooms, desks, and waiting areas are wheelchair-accessible and equipped with appropriate signage.
2. Communication Aids: Providing sign language interpreters, captioning services, or written materials in alternative formats for individuals with hearing or visual impairments.
3. Flexible Appointment Scheduling: Allowing extended appointment times for individuals with disabilities or those who may require additional assistance.
4. Service Animal Policies: Permitting service animals in the facility to assist individuals with disabilities.
5. Transportation Assistance: Offering information about accessible transportation options for patients who may have difficulty traveling to the health department.
6. Training Staff: Educating staff on disability awareness and how to assist individuals with various needs effectively.
7. Remote Services: Providing telehealth options or virtual consultations for individuals unable to visit in person due to their disabilities.
8. Physical Assistance: Offering assistance from staff for individuals who may need help navigating the facility or completing forms.

These accommodations help ensure equal access to health services for all individuals.

Upcoming Training

ADA & Section 504 Updates: Recent Regulatory Changes and What They Mean for You

Date: Dec 3, 2024 12:00 - 1:00 PM Mountain Time

Stay ahead of the curve with this webinar on the latest regulatory updates to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Join Nate Crippes and Mary Anne Davies from the Disability Law Center as they break down recent changes and clarify how these updates impact individuals and organizations. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights from legal experts and ensure your local health programs are up-to-date on the latest ADA and Section 504 requirements.

This webinar will cover:

• Key changes to the ADA and Section 504 regulations.
• Practical implications of these changes for compliance.
• Best practices for ensuring accessibility and avoiding discrimination.

Over the past 6 months, the federal government has published three new regulations that impact people with disabilities in healthcare settings. 

In April and July of this year the Department of Justice released the final regulations for Title 2 of the ADA that outlines accessibility of websites/mobile content and the accessibility of medical diagnostic equipment. 

In May of 2024 the HHS Office of Civil Rights also published new regulations for Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act that clarifies how Section 504 applies to healthcare settings. 

For more information, contact:

Elle at Rebecca.Smith@usu.edu or

Dr. Chen at Chen.Chen@usu.edu.

This study has been approved by the USU IRB, Protocol #14360.