NATIONAL PATIENT ACCESSIBILITY WEEK, NOVEMBER 1 – 7:

ACCESSIBLE HEALTHCARE FOR ALL Page 2 of 2

NATIONAL PATIENT ACCESSIBILITY WEEK PROMOTES

ACCESSIBLE HEALTHCARE FOR ALL

Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund (DREDF), the American Council of the Blind (ACB),the Office of Disability Services at Wright State University and Midmark Corporation lead the way in supporting equal access healthcare

TAMPA, Florida and DAYTON, Ohio – (October 15, 2008) – Healthcare organizations and patient and advocacy groups around the country will come together November 1 – 7, 2008, to celebrate National Patient Accessibility Week (NPAW). NPAW is a national education and awareness-building campaign focused on the reality that healthcare providers need and are obligated by law to have accessible, barrier-freefacilities for patients who have disabilities. And, NPAW also supports the need for accessible healthcare facilities for patients with other mobility concerns, including elderly and obese patients.

Equal access healthcare refers to care that includes the following features:

  • A fully accessible architectural environment that can be navigated easily by everyone
  • Patient materials in accessible formats
  • Equipment such as adjustable exam tables, diagnostic equipment and scales to accommodate people of all physiques and those who use mobility devices
  • Inclusive appointment policies and exam procedures that provide for all types of physical and communication needs
  • Staff trained to understand and respond with respect to people with different types of disabilities, including less visible impairments such as deafness, cognitive impairments and depression

On October 31, 2008, WrightStateUniversity in Dayton, Ohio, which has a national reputation for accommodating students with disabilities, will sponsor an event for healthcare providers and architects.Please contact Jeffrey Vernooy at 937.775.5680 for more information.

The Department of Veterans Affairs is also planning an event for providers and the media on healthcare accessibility at the James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital in Tampa, Florida. Please contact Carolyn Clark at 813.979.3645 for more information.

Learn more

If you are interested in receiving more information regarding National Patient Accessibility Week or additional resources, including videos, fact sheets and an accessibility checklist, please visit

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CONTACT:

Julia EpsteinSusan Kaiser

Director of Communications Public Relations Manager

Disability Rights Education and Defense FundMidmark Corporation

510.644.2555 ext. 241937.526.8785

Carolyn ClarkJeffrey Vernooy

Public Affairs OfficeDisability Services Office

Department of Veterans AffairsWrightStateUniversity

813.979.3645937.775.5680