Disabil Health J
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The purpose of the work documented here was to assist defendants in legal actions to comply with settlement agreements, consent decrees, and memoranda of understanding. The work involved surveying medical center facilities and interviewing the staff and, based on the results, developing recommendations for compliance. ⋯ Guidance on interior design barriers and communication barriers is also provided. Finally, recommendations regarding facility policies and procedures and staff training are outlined.
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Historical Article
Commentary on the ADA 20th anniversary: introduction.
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This review documents the history of one large health system's approach to the enactment of the Americans with Disabilities Act, following the settlement of a lawsuit. This paper represents the various activities within the Kaiser Permanente health system from 2001 to the present that were conducted to improve access and remove architectural, attitudinal, and other barriers for people with disabilities, to educate and train providers concerning culturally competent care for people with disabilities, and to develop patient-centered best practices and models of care for people with disabilities. Health systems can improve care for people with disabilities through organized, multifaceted, and ongoing approaches to removal of barriers, provider education and training in culturally competent care, and establishment of patient-centered best practices and models of care.