People with physical disabilities often face a host of difficulties when seeking health services. While the medical community is geared toward helping everyone, the mobility challenges posed by their offices and equipment often go overlooked. Here are just a few of the most significant obstacles patients face when attempting to receive care.

3 Common Challenges for Patients With Physical Disabilities

1. Limitations of Diagnostic Equipment

Standard diagnostic equipment machines can fail to address the needs of patients in wheelchairs. X-ray equipment and weight scales are some of the most inaccessible devices to those with mobility challenges. As a result, women with disabilities are 30% more likely to miss breast cancer screenings.

2. Improper Office Layouts

Health services are sometimes offered in clinics that don’t fully accommodate the needs of patients with mobility challenges.

While the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires facilities to make layouts easy to navigate with aids like ramps and elevators, some areas are forgotten. For example, examination tables must have sufficient clearance on both sides so patients can easily move onto them from wheelchairs. However, since these guidelines aren’t enforced, furniture can get overlooked.

3. Difficulty Getting to Appointments

Patients with physical limitations don’t always have access to rides provided by loved ones. Even if they do, passenger vehicles may not be comfortable to navigate in and out of on wheelchairs and walking aids.

Attempting to schedule appointments around other people’s schedules can add another layer of complexity to the problem. Patients in both rural and urban settings face challenges, as mass transit also has limitations despite ADA guidelines. 

If you have a physical disability and need assistance getting to your appointments, Agape Transportation will help. Serving patients throughout New York City and Westchester County, this trusted company offers non-emergency medical transportation to take the hassle out of getting to and from doctors’ visits. Their vehicles are comfortable and wheelchair-accessible. See their full list of health services online or call (718) 585-2222 to speak with a team member.