Person Centered Healthcare -

Assisting People with Communication and Non-Apparent Disabilities


A nine course micro-training series

Module 1 Foundations of Disability

Disability Foundation and Basics Course #1

  • What is disability and how does it impact the quarter of Americans who are part of the disability community
  • Models of disability, the dominant model of disability and how it impacts healthcare interactions
  • State of disability in the United States, including percentages of disability types and intersectionality with other demographic groups

Invisible Disabilities Course #2

  • Invisible or "hidden" disabilities
  • Different ways invisible disabilities may impact patients, including patient and provider communication
  • The importance of not making assumptions about best or feasible accommodation

Disability Rights in Healthcare Settings Course #3

  • History and background of discrimination experienced by people with disabilities in healthcare
  • General overview of legal rights, including providing preferred accommodations and ensuring accessible information, machines, and equipment
  • Resources for continued study, education or training
medical practitioner cupping the hands of a patient

Module 2 Providing Effective Communication in Healthcare Settings

Planning for Accommodations Course #4

  • There should be established (i.e. formalized) processes and procedures for inquiring about and providing accommodations that staff know and use
  • Information about the accommodation request process should be available in multiple, accessible ways, including direct communication with staff
  • Resources should be in place to procure or obtain the accommodations, including internal resources, or agreements, contracts, and MOUs with vendors or community partners

Applying the Accommodation Course #5

  • The different types of accommodations, including assistive technology, AAC, interpreters, translators, and others -- and who might request which one
  • Not all accommodations are equal – the feasibility of an accommodation depends on the individual functionality of the patient and the situation
  • Tips to ensure that an accommodation works the way it’s intended and how communicating with the patient is key

Beyond Accommodations Course #6

  • History and background of discrimination experienced by people with disabilities in healthcare
  • General overview of legal rights, including providing preferred accommodations and ensuring accessible information, machines, and equipment
  • Resources for continued study, education or training
Healthcare provider wearing green scrubs, a headset and communicating using hand gestures in front of a laptop.

Module 3 System Solutions for Accessibility in Healthcare Settings

Recognizing Ableism Course #7

  • Definition, signs and roots of ableism
  • The impacts of ableism on healthcare and importance of addressing
  • Identifying systemic ableism within an organization's policies

Addressing and Preventing Bias Course #8

  • Conducting an assessment of the office's policies and practices that prevent or facilitate discrimination
  • Establishing a anonymous 24/7 disability discrimination reporting platform
  • Using community disability stakeholders as collaborative partner

System Solutions for Accessibility Course #9

  • Benefits of adopting an "Environmental System" framework to enhance accessibility and inclusion for all patients and staff
  • Implementing a comprehensive disability-focused training program to enhance staff awareness, expand knowledge, and establish a solid foundation for ensuring accessibility and promoting health equity for patients with disabilities
  •  The advantages of collaborating with disability-led organizations to enhance health equity and improve health outcomes for individuals with disabilities
Healthcare provider taking notes.

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