5 “G’s” Getting Access to Health Care for People with Physical Disabilities

4. Getting What You Need During Your Visit

Sometimes you may face barriers that cannot be immediately addressed, for example, when there is no available accessible scale. So what can you do to be as prepared as possible before and during your visit to ensure things go as smoothly as possible?

• When you call ahead and ask about getting to, into and through the health care facility, also ask about access to the equipment. That is, ask about the accessibility of their weight scales, exam tables, and anything else you may need to use, such as their x-ray equipment, mammography machine or eye exam chair. Here are some specific questions you can use:

  • Do you have a scale that I can roll onto in my wheelchair or that has rails that I can use to help me balance?

  • Do you have an exam table that lowers to 18 inches from the floor or lower so that I can get on it independently?

  • Does your x-ray platform lower to 18 inches from the floor or lower so that I can get on it independently?

  • Does your mammography machine lower so that I can sit or stay in my wheelchair during the process?

  • Does the arm of your eye exam chair swing away or is it removable so I can transfer onto the chair independently?

• If you need help with transfers, tell them you will need assistance. Make sure to request this assistance when making the appointment. For example, you could say, “I will need help transferring on and off the exam table.” If you will need it, ask if they have transfer or lifting equipment and/or a lift team.

• Request extra time for your appointment if you need it so you don’t feel rushed with the doctor. This will also give you extra time for undressing or transferring.

• When you arrive, remind the receptionist about your specific needs again (such as an accessible table, help with transfers, or other assistance).

• Be ready to give the staff clear, short, and direct instructions on lifting, transferring and positioning you.

• If you know the facility does or may not have the accessible equipment you need, you might want to bring copies of information on accessible scales, tables and other equipment, and give it to the office manager and/or other staff to encourage them to purchase accessible equipment.