Best Practices for Prevention Caring for People with Disabilities Delaware Cancer Education Alliance October 5, 2011 Dover, Delaware

2005 Surgeon General’s Report Call to Action to Improve the Health and Wellness of Persons with Disabilities –Health care providers have the knowledge and tools to screen, diagnose and treat the whole person with a disability with dignity. –Accessible health care and support services promote independence for persons with disabilities.

20% of adults in Delaware report disabilities. Source: 2009 Delaware Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System

Risk Factors by Disability Status VariableWithout a disabilityWith a disability Meet physical activity recommendations 52.9%42.5% Body mass index: Obese 24.7%39.1% Current smoker 17.1%23.3% Source: 2009 Delaware Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System

Accessibility in Health Care Settings Focus on three types of barriers: Facilities Equipment Communication

Facilities Americans with Disabilities Act –Full and equal access to health care services and facilities –Reasonable modifications to policies, practices and procedures when necessary to make health services fully available to individuals with disabilities

Accessible Medical Equipment No standards for Accessible Diagnostic Equipment US Access Board will release draft in Dec Will address examination tables and chairs, weight scales, mammography equipment, x-ray machines, and other radiological equipment

Communication With and about people with disabilities ADA Requirement for Effective Communication –Providing Assistive Devices and Auxiliary Aids People First Language

ASK. ACCOMMODATE.

For every appointment, ask: “Do you have any needs related to a disability that we can assist you with during your visit?” –Help with dressing or undressing –Understanding medical information –Positioning during a procedure, such as a mammogram –Help with completing forms –A sign language interpreter –Adjustable medical equipment that goes low enough for someone seated in a wheelchair

Resources Checklist for Readily Achievable Barrier Removal

Resources Access to Medical Care for Individuals with Mobility Disabilities –Accessible Exam Tables and Chairs –Transfers and Lifts –Radiologic Equipment –Scales –Staff training

Resources Effective Communication for Health Care Providers ts/Effective_Communication.pdf

Resources Continuing education training Healthcare Access for Persons with Disabilities Online through the Kansas D& H program Free to providers nationally $10 fee for one CME/CNE

Resources Tax incentives –Credit of up to $5,000 –Deduction for business expenses up to $15,000 per year for barrier removal –Can be use together

Resources

Eileen Sparling, Ed.M. Center for Disabilities Studies University of Delaware