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A recently conducted National Consumer Need Assessment found that users with disabilities are experiencing lack of accessible medical equipment. The survey looked at Examination Tables, X-Ray equipment, Rehabilitation/Exercise equipment and Weight Scales and found extensive difficulties for persons with disabilities. For instance, 75% of the persons surveyed said they had moderate or greater difficulty with examination tables, over 68% had moderate or greater difficulties with x-ray equipment, 55% had moderate or greater difficulty with Rehabilitation and exercise equipment and 54% had moderate or greater difficulty accessing Weight Scales. The survey also found that 50% of those surveyed reported moderate or great difficulty with Examination and Procedure chairs, such as those typically used by dentists or for other outpatient medical services. Needs Assessment investigator, June Kailes, M.S.W., recommends that more consumers file complaints under the ADA. The survey was conducted by a NIDRR funded Research Engineering & Research Center (RERC) with collaborators from Marquette University, Western University, and University of California (San Francisco). Almost 500 persons participated in the survey which is intended to create new accessibility standards for accessible medical equipment and to help reduce the costly health disparities among people with disabilities by removing barriers to health care services. See the Needs Assessment presentation and for further information.
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