Improving Healthcare for People with Disabilities
By Mallory
Despite healthcare being a fundamental right, many disabled people struggle to overcome obstacles to receiving adequate care. From physical obstacles in accessing healthcare facilities to knowledge gaps on the part of the healthcare provider, these exacerbate health disparities and compromise outcomes. In addressing these problems, we can create a more inclusive and equitable healthcare environment.
Physical Accessibility
Many healthcare facilities lack the necessary accommodations for people who have physical disabilities. We must provide physical accommodations such as ramps, elevators, and adjustable exam tables in healthcare facilities. These barriers make it difficult, if not impossible, for people with physical impairments to receive care.
Communication Barriers
People who have hearing, vision, or speech disabilities all too often face difficulties in communicating with healthcare providers. Take, for example, someone who is deaf. The lack of a sign language interpreter hinders communication between the doctor and the patient.
In my experience, when I was going through treatment for my acne, having a communication app on my phone for when I had to answer questions helped me with my speech disability. This helped me get my answer out coherently and quickly.
Knowledge Gaps & Lack of Training
Healthcare providers don’t always have the training or experience to understand the variety of needs of people with disabilities. This leads to misdiagnoses, inadequate treatment plans, and unintentional bias.
Systemic Inequities
On average, people with disabilities are more likely to face poverty, unemployment, and social isolation. These factors can limit access to health insurance and preventative care. This exacerbates the already present health disparities and increases vulnerability to chronic conditions.
How to Improve?
Increasing physical accessibility includes providing adjustable medical equipment such as height-adjustable exam tables and wheelchair-accessible scales. These accommodations and more comply with the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).
Breaking communication barriers can look like training staff in the use of assistive technologies, having sign language interpreters present at doctors' appointments, as well as having online programs for scheduling and telehealth services.
Training healthcare professionals includes disability-focused training in medical school and nursing curricula and offering education opportunities that address the healthcare needs of people with disabilities.
Systemic barriers are significant and require advocacy for policies to widen healthcare access, reduce financial strain, and collaborate with community organizations aiding individuals with disabilities.
To wrap it up, improving healthcare for people with disabilities is a collaborative effort that includes healthcare providers, policymakers, and the community. In prioritizing accessibility, education, and systemic reform, we can create a healthcare system that serves everyone.
