The Department of Justice (DOJ) recently released a proposed rulemaking under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) seeking to make medical diagnostic equipment (MDE) accessible for people with disabilities. The proposed rule focuses on MDE such as medical exam tables, x-ray machines, mammography equipment and dental chairs. State and local governments that offer health care services would be required to ensure that all their clinics, programs and activities are accessible.
Accessibility of medical equipment has been a longstanding priority of the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation. We regularly hear from our community about some of the barriers they face in the form of inaccessible examination rooms, insufficient space inside examination rooms for a person with a mobility device to independently maneuver without causing injury to themselves or damage to their mobility device, the absence of lift and transfer equipment, the absence of wheelchair accessible weight scales, and the absence of height-adjustable examination tables and accessible diagnostic equipment. We are thankful to the Department of Justice for the opportunity for our community to share their personal stories on how accessible MDE would impact their lives through the public comment process.
Please submit your comments on the proposed rule: Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability; Accessibility of Medical Diagnostic Equipment of State and Local Government Entities on or before February 12, 2024 here.