From CENTER FOR DIGNITY IN HEALTHCARE FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES: For More Info, Go Here…
THINK EQUITABLE CARE – TAKE ACTION!
■ Inform key medical personnel immediately that individuals with disabilities have equal rights to COVID-19 testing and treatment.
■ Make equitable decisions to ensure that allocation of COVID-19 resources, supplies,
and care are not based on inaccurate assumptions about life with a disability.
■ Provide accommodations to make sure all individuals can access COVID-19 testing
and treatment. This requirement includes accommodations for behavioral,
intellectual, or physical disabilities that may impact someone’s ability to comply
during testing and treatment.
KNOW THE BEST PRACTICES – TAKE ACTION!
■ When communicating with individuals with disabilities:
● Talk directly to them.
● Ask permission before speaking with their caregivers, if possible.
● Ask the caregiver for assistance if you need help communicating with a patient.
● Use plain language to tell individuals and caregivers about COVID-19 test results
and anticipated procedures.
● Keep in mind that you may have difficulty understanding the patient, however, in most
cases they understand you.
■ Make these accommodations:
● Allow a caregiver to go with a patient to ensure adequate support for decisionmaking and treatment.
● Provide ramps and rooms with enough access for a wheelchair.
● Provide qualified interpreter services for the deaf or hard of hearing.
● Use prompts, such as picture cues, for those with limited use of verbal communication.
● Provide the time needed for individuals to speak, respond, and understand
