Overview
The DisABILITY Resources Toolbox (DART) for Practitioners provides information and resources that practitioners can use to decrease barriers to access for individuals with the lived experience of disability. Mental health disparities are documented and persistent among individuals with disabilities. Lack of access to care is often cited as a factor that contributes to these disparities; however, implementation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) can create improved access to care for individuals with disabilities. This toolbox provides practical suggestions for ensuring an inclusive practice. Upcoming additions to the toolbox include Universal Design in Practice and Guidelines for Assessment for and Intervention with Person with Disabilities.
Toolbox I: Providing Access in Private Practice
Health disparities among individuals with disabilities are well documented and persistent (CDC, 2011). Difficulties with access to care, long waiting periods, stereotypes and discrimination, inadequate provider training, and lack of cultural competence contribute to these disparities. Mental health access is critical because individuals with disabilities are likely to experience the following:
- Less social-emotional support
- Lower employment rates
- Inaccessible wellness initiatives
- Experiences with microaggressions
Access to Care in Private Practice
Practitioners can use the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) small business resource document to increase access to their facilities. Under the ADA, small businesses are referred to as “public accommodations.” Nearly all private businesses that serve the public are regarded as public accommodations, regardless of their size or the age of the buildings. Private clubs and religious organizations are exempt from the ADA definition of public accommodations. Title III of the ADA requires businesses to modify their business policies and procedures when necessary to serve and communicate effectively with customers with disabilities. The ADA also requires businesses to remove architectural barriers in existing buildings and ensure that newly built or altered facilities are constructed to be accessible to individuals with disabilities. “Grandfather clause provisions" often found in local building codes do not exempt businesses from their obligations under the ADA.
Practitioners who own small businesses or work in these settings should be aware of the legal obligation of being a public accommodation and providing services to the general public. The following are considerations for public accommodations or small businesses.
Ensure Access to the Building
An accessible route is necessary for individuals to gain access to your practice. Entry into a building should not be limited to stairways, which restrict those who use motorized wheelchairs, canes, or other mobility devices. Entrances are required to be accessible to a multitude of diverse individuals.
Provide Accessible Parking
Businesses with five or fewer spaces must have at least one accessible parking space; however, signage is not required. The ADA provides accessible parking ratios for businesses with large parking space allotments.
Use Accessible Modes of Communication
Providing sign language interpreters, a 508-compliant website, and documents in alternate formats are all methods of accessible communication. Ensuring that qualified interpreters are available is essential to ensuring clear and accurate exchanges of information. Websites that are 508 compliant allow consumers the opportunity engage information about services.
Create a Welcoming Environment
Creating a welcoming environment ensures that staff are properly trained to engage with a diverse client population. In addition, providing information regarding how to reach your practice is helpful for those for whom transportation is a barrier (e.g., how to find accessible transportation, public transportation).
Use the Disabled Access Credit and Deduction
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) understands the importance of accessibility for the full participation of people with disabilities in society. To assist small businesses, the IRS provides a tax credit that includes deductions for use of sign language interpreters, braille, large print and barrier removal. To become eligible, a business must have 30 or fewer full-time employees or have total revenues of $1 million or less in the previous tax year. The tax deduction applies to businesses of any size. Businesses can take a business expense deduction of up to $15,00 per year for costs of removing barriers in facilities.
Practitioners should consult with the ADA Business Connection to discuss specifics related to their respective business.
Disclaimer: The goal of this webpage is to provide a general overview of major disability federal statutes, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act, and is intended to provide only general, nonspecific legal information. This website and these articles are not legal advice and are not intended as legal advice.
References
Center for Disease Control and Prevention (2011). NCBDD Annual Report [PDF] Retrieved from: https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/AboutUs/annual_report/disability-disparitiesinhealth.pdfopens in new window
Reichard, R, Holtus H, Fox, MH (2011). Health disparities among adults with physical disabilities or cognitive limitations compared to individuals with no disabilities in the United States. The Disability and Health Journal . 4(2):59–67.
Yee, Silvia. (2013). Health disparities research at the intersection of race, ethnicity, and disability: A national conference people with disabilities [PowerPoint slides] Retrieved from https://dredf.org/2013-documents/Yee-Intersections-Conf-disability-health-disparities-101-April-2013.pdfopens in new window
The United States Department of Justice Information and Technical Assistance on the Americans with disabilities Act.