ADA Accessibility at ARC

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) is a federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in everyday activities, including medical services. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504) is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities on the basis of their disability in programs or activities that receive federal financial assistance, including health programs and services. These statutes require medical care providers to make their services available in an accessible manner.

A person is an individual with a disability under the ADA when he or she:

• has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities*
• has a record of a substantially limiting impairment
• is regarded as having a substantially limiting impairment.

*Major life activities are basic activities that the average person can perform with little or no difficulty, such as walking, sitting, standing, lifting, reaching, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, eating, sleeping, performing manual tasks, caring for oneself, learning, thinking, concentrating, interacting with others, and working.

Reasonable accommodation is any change or adjustment that permits an individual with a disability to enjoy benefits and access to health care services equal to those enjoyed by individuals without disabilities.

Reasonable accommodations may include (but are not limited to):

• Making health care needs known to staff.
• Providing a treatment room with adequate floor space and an adjustable exam table.
• Showing individuals where bathrooms are that can accommodate wheelchairs.
• Asking for assistance when being transferred to an exam table.
• Allowing individuals to bring an interpreter, assistant, or family member to the appointment.

Requests for reasonable accommodation should be made directly to the staff at each clinic location. ARC will provide reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities, within its duties under the law.

ARC is committed to providing facilities that are accessible to individuals with disabilities. ARC's goal is to work towards a barrier-free environment, including the removal of structural barriers in new and existing facilities, to the extent readily achievable. Where such action is not readily achievable, ARC strives to provide reasonable alternatives to promote physical access and ensure access to health care.

When you are treated at ARC, it is important for you to discuss any needs you may have, including reasonable accommodations, with staff and your healthcare provider at each clinic. It may also be helpful to inform staff, when making an appointment, of any accommodations you may need, to ensure that we can do our best to provide your requested accommodation during your appointment.

Inquiries concerning the application of the ADA or Rehabilitation Act to ARC may be referred to ARC-INFO at 512-272-4636 or by email through the contact us page.

• Americans with Disabilities Act
• American Association of People with Disabilities
• Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities
• National Council on Disability
• Disability Resources