Are you able to access
your
doctor's office?
Many women with disabilities forgo medical care
-- including OB/GYN services -- because of physical, communication,
and attitudinal barriers. The Americans with Disabilities Act
(ADA) and several state laws guarantee women with disabilities
equal access to medical services. Know your rights!
|
|
- If you are deaf or hard of hearing, or if you have a cognitive
or visual disability that affects communication:
* Is there a TTY; is so, has staff been trained to use it?
* Does staff know about the Mass Relay Service?
* Is a Sign Language Interpreter or CART Reporter provided
if you request one?
* Is written information provided in Braille, large print
or on audio tape when you request it?
* Are diagnoses or instructions writtend down if needed?
* Does staff take the time to rephrase questions and instructions
if needed?
* Is enough time scheduled to accommodate communication access?
- Are you as a patient with a disability provided the same
quality exam as patients without disabilites?
* Do they obtain a complete patient history from you?
|
|
* Are you weighed, even if you use a
wheelchair?
* Is a complete physical exam performed, including a
pap smear and breast exam?
If you answered "no" to any
of these questions, you may not be getting the medical
care you need and your doctor may not be in compliance
with federal and state disability laws.
|
|
|
