State of New Hampshire Governor's Commission on Disability

Obligations and Requirements under the Americans with Disabilities Act

The Governor's Commission on Disability was awarded an ADA Incentive Grant by the New England ADA and Accessible I.T. Center to provide outreach and resource materials to health care professionals on how to accommodate patients who have disabilities. Upon request, Cheryl Killam, Accessibility Specialist for the Commission, is available to provide the free workshop "Accommodating Patients with Disabilities". The power point presentation, including a self-teaching version, and numerous resources, are also available on a CD-Rom, distributed free of charge by the Commission, which is the NH affiliate of the New England ADA & Accessible I.T. Center.

Training module summary:

This workshop begins with a brief but powerful simulation of what it means to have a disability, followed by a multi-media presentation and discussion on accommodating individuals with disabilities. Documented situations that demonstrate both common mistakes made and best practices of treatment for patients with disabilities will be discussed.

Topics covered will address the evolution of the attitudes towards people with disabilities, the ever-changing "politically correct" terminology, person-first language, an overview of the ADA and other relevant laws, recent settlements with the U.S. Department of Justice, Disability "Etiquette", methods of effective communication, universal design guidelines for medical facilities and accessible medical equipment.

Training Objectives:

1. Improve awareness of the abilities of people with disabilities in order to reduce the many myths and misconceptions that continue to be associated with these individuals;

2. Improve awareness of effective methods of communication for individuals with disabilities;

3. Improve knowledge of the Americans with Disabilities Act, how it relates to accommodating patients who are disabled, and recent enforcement activities through the U.S. Department of Justice;

4. Improve knowledge of the agencies and businesses in New Hampshire and throughout the U.S. that provide accommodations and universally designed products;

Duration: 45 minutes minimum to 3 hours maximum

There is no cost for providing this workshop.

CD-Rom with Resources:

- Accommodating Patients with Disabilities - MicroSoft [MS] Power Point presentation to be used for workshops; author: Cheryl Killam

- Self Teaching version of Accommodating Patients with Disabilities - MS Power Point presentation to be used on an individual basis; author: Cheryl Killam

- MS Word version of the Self Teaching version of Accommodating Patients with Disabilities; author: Cheryl Killam

- Resource materials from Center for Universal Design, National Alliance on Mental Health - NH, the North Carolina Office on Disability and Health, the Disabilities Rights Education and Defense Fund, the U.S. Department of Justice, and the U.S. Access Board.

- Contact information for vendors of adjustable height examination tables and accessible scales

- Disability Awareness and accessible design information from the Commission

- Online resources for applicable laws, agencies, and accommodations

To schedule a workshop or request a copy of the CD-Rom, contact:
Cheryl Killam, Accessibility Specialist
Governor's Commission on Disability
(603) 271-4177
cheryl.killam@nh.gov
57 Regional Drive
Concord, NH 03301