Including individuals with disabilities in the COVID-19 response to ensure equitable care

THINK EQUITABLE CARE - TAKE ACTION!

• Inform key medical personnel immediately that individuals with disabilities have equal rights to COVID-19 testing and treatment.
• Make equitable decisions to ensure that allocation of COVID-19 resources, supplies, and care are not based on inaccurate assumptions about life with a disability.
• Provide accommodations to make sure all individuals can access COVID-19 testing and treatment.  This requirement includes accommodations for behavioral, intellectual, or physical disabilities that may impact someone’s ability to comply during testing and treatment.

KNOW THE BEST PRACTICES - TAKE ACTION!

• When communicating with individuals with disabilities:
  • Talk directly to them.
  • Ask permission before speaking with their caregivers, if possible.
  • Ask the caregiver for assistance if you need help communicating with a patient.
  • Use plain language to tell individuals and caregivers about COVID-19 test results and anticipated procedures.
  • Keep in mind that you may have difficulty understanding the patient, however, in most cases they understand you.
• Make these accommodations:
  • Allow a caregiver to go with a patient to ensure adequate support for decision-making and treatment.
  • Provide ramps and rooms with enough access for a wheelchair.
  • Provide qualified interpreter services for the deaf or hard of hearing.
  • Use prompts, such as picture cues, for those with limited use of verbal communication.
  • Provide the time needed for individuals to speak, respond, and understand.

View the full flyer here.