Wednesday, August 1, 2012

New Law Provides Better Access to Medical Records and Buildings

New Law Provides Better Access to Medical Records and Buildings

On the 22nd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, two more milestones for disabled Americans have been reached:
  • Guaranteed easy physical access to medical buildings, especially for adults and children in wheelchairs.
  • Audio access for deaf and hard of hearing to medical information in a manner that is understandable to them.
These improvements are the result of settlements in complaints filed in Michigan and New Hampshire by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices. Known as the 200th Project Civic Access agreement, they led to the U.S. Justice Department Barrier-Free Health Care Initiative. The changes will impact more than four and a half million individuals with disabilities.
This nationwide initiative reinforces the message that disability discrimination in health care is illegal and unacceptable. Federal prosecutors across the nation will spearhead this new effort designed to guarantee access for disabled people to all medical buildings and to ensure the disabled are not discriminated against in receiving potentially lifesaving medical information.
Over the next few months, specific initiatives will begin. Be sure to follow CP Family Network on Facebook and Twitter for the latest news on cerebral palsy and disability rights.

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