Group Needs Information for VA Investigation

by: Brandon Friedman

Wed Jul 02, 2008 at 02:55:47 AM EDT

Disability Rights Advocates is conducting an investigation of the accessibility of VA hospitals and clinics.  We would like to hear from you about your experiences at these facilities.  If you have a mobility disability, a vision disability, a hearing disability, and/or Traumatic Brain Injury, you are entitled to full access and reasonable accommodations, whether or not your disability is service connected.  We want to know if these accommodations are being provided.  Please contact us at va.access@gdblegal.com and we can set up a time to talk with you about your experiences.

Continue reading below. . . .

If you have a mobility disability:

Whether you use a wheelchair or another form of assistive device, or whether your mobility is impaired in any way due to disability, we want to know about your experience with access at VA hospitals or clinics:

Is there adequate accessible parking?

Are there access barriers as you travel through the hospital or clinic?  For example, are there adequate ramps and accessible pathways?  Are doors, counters, elevators and restrooms accessible?

 

Is there enough room for you and your mobility device in patient check-in or waiting areas?

 

Can you get to exam rooms, hospital rooms and laboratories and have your medical care provided with adequate comfort and privacy?

Can you access medical equipment such as exam tables, scales and diagnostic equipment safely, independently and with dignity?

 

Can you access other public areas at the hospital or clinic, such as the pharmacy, cafeteria/canteen, or gift shop?

Does the staff seem to be knowledgeable and trained to address your needs arising out of your mobility disability?

If you have a vision disability:

Whether you are blind, legally blind, or have low vision, we want to know about your experiences with access at VA hospitals and/or clinics:

Are there access barriers such as protruding objects and lack of detectible warnings as you travel through the hospital or clinic?

Is there accessible signage so you can navigate through the hospital or clinic?

Are you able to obtain information such as forms, notices and prescription information in accessible formats?

Can you access your hospital or clinic's information technology, such as websites or registration kiosks?

Does the staff seem to be knowledgeable and trained to address your needs arising out of your visual impairment (including allowing you to be accompanied by your service animal)?

Have you experienced other barriers due to your vision disability?

If you have a hearing disability:

Whether you are deaf or hearing impaired, we want to know about your experiences with access at VA hospitals and/or clinics:

Can you communicate effectively with VA personnel to make appointments and understand your medical needs and treatment?

Do you receive interpreters or assistive listening services when necessary?

Does the staff seem to be knowledgeable and trained to address your needs arising out of your hearing impairment?

Have you experienced other barriers due to your hearing disability?

If you have Traumatic Brain Injury:

Can you communicate effectively with VA personnel to make appointments and understand your medical needs and treatment?

Do you receive adequate guidance from VA personnel to make decisions regarding medical care and treatment based on informed consent?

Does the staff seem to be knowledgeable and trained to address your needs arising out of your brain injury?

Have you experienced other barriers due to your disability?

Disability Rights Advocates is a non-profit organization based in California that is dedicated to protecting the rights of people with all types of disabilities, including disabled veterans.  DRA is one of the two law firms that is challenging the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA's) practices in failing to adequately treat veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and we also have a longstanding interest in ensuring disabled individuals' equal access to prompt medical care.  For more information about DRA, please visit www.dralegal.org.  

To set up at time to talk about your experiences at VA hospitals and/or clinics, email va.access@gdblegal.com, or call toll-free at 800/332-6177 (or TTY at 510/665-8716).