- Do not deny your services to a client with a disability. You may refer him/her if that
individual requires treatment outside of your area of specialization.
- Do not separate out or give unequal service to clients with disabilities unless you must
do so to provide a service that is as effective as that provided to those without
disabilities.
- Watch for criteria that screen out clients with disabilities. For instance, do not require a
driver's license for payment by check. Use policies, practices, and procedures in your
office that can be modified for those with disabilities, such as making sure service
animals are permitted in your office.
- Provide auxiliary aids and services, such as readers, sign-language
interpreters, Braille materials, large-print materials, videotapes and audiotapes, and
computers when necessary to effectively communicate with your clients with disabilities.
You may use alternative forms of communication, such as notepads and pencils, when
these forms are as effective.
- Evaluate your office for structural and architectural barriers that prevent individuals with
disabilities from getting the services they need from you. Change these barriers when
they can be readily changed (without much difficulty or expense).
- Look at ramps, parking spaces, curb cuts, shelving, elevator control buttons, width of doorways, levered door
handles, width of toilet partitions, height of toilet seats, high-pile carpeting, and ensure
that rooms are large enough to maneuver a walker or wheelchair.
- When building new offices or remodeling, hire an architect or contractor familiar with ADA
requirements.
Information contained in the Compliance Issues section was obtained from the following
sources:
Americans With Disabilities Act, 42 U.S.C. Sections 12101-12213 (1995).
Americans With Disabilities Act, 42 U.S.C. Section 12181(7)(F) (1995).
Americans With Disabilities Act, 42 U.S.C. Section 12182(b)(2)(A)(iii) (1995).
Americans With Disabilities Act, 42 U.S.C. Section 12182(b)(2)(A)(iv) (1995).
Americans With Disabilities Act, 42 U.S.C. Section 12182(b)(2)(A)(v) (1995).
Americans With Disabilities Act, 42 U.S.C. SectionSection 12181-12189 (1995).
Golden, M. (1995). Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990: Implications for the medical field.
Journal of Legal Medicine, 18, 2-13.
Mahoney, R. E., & Gibofsky A. (1992). Changes in existing protection and impact on the private
health services provider. Journal of Legal Medicine, 13, 51-74.
Miltko, S. M. (1995). The need for professional discretion: Health professionals under the
Americans With Disabilities Act. Northwestern University Law Review, 89, 1731-1767.
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