Can Post-Acute, Long-Term Care Providers Provide Greater Access?

July 23, 2015

Nearly 25 years ago, on July 26, 1990, President George H. W. Bush signed into law the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The civil rights law prohibits discrimination, and pledges that people with disabilities have the right to quality of life, as well as guaranteeing access to local government programs and services. As ADA marks its 25 Anniversary, we are reminded how much progress has been made, and yet much remains to be done.

Those who are protected under the ADA have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. This group includes service men and women returning from combat with a debilitating injury and people of all ages impacted by hearing, vision or speech difficulties. According to the U.S. Census 2013 American Community Survey on Disability Characteristics, more than 12 percent of the civilian non-institutionalized population lives with a disability. Although very evenly divided by gender and race, more than 36 percent of those listed as disabled are age 65 years or older.

Break Down Barriers Today

The ADA was designed to protect people with disabilities from being ostracized, excluded or unnecessarily segregated. The goal was for all institutions to provide services in the most integrated setting appropriate, to meet a wide range of needs. The theme for this year’s milestone event is “expand opportunities and PLEDGE ON!”

Health care providers must continue to lead the way to greater access for those with disabilities, because many of these Americans are not seeking or obtaining quality health care—too embarrassed to ask for assistance or afraid of loosing their remaining amount of independence.

With an aging population, there are more Americans listed as disabled than ever before. This creates opportunities for redesigning service lines. Also, this is true for workforce redesign to be inclusive of individuals with disabilities—as health care providers will be faced with a workforce shortage soon.

As leaders, consider:

Redesigning orientation and training programs.
Using technology to support the new consumer, as well as the new workforce.
Redesigning services to meet the growing needs of those who are disabled.

Those of us in the post-acute and long-term care field have a great opportunity to be leaders who go beyond the minimum requirements, to make services universally available to the greatest extent possible. With better physical resources and more emotional awareness for those with disabilities, we can ensure greater recovery and less likelihood of a rehospitalization or worsening condition.

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