Did you know that around 15% of the world’s population, approximately 1 billion people, are living with disabilities
In the United States alone, this translates to one in four adults. Despite representing a significant portion of the population, people with disabilities regularly face disparities within the medical industry, experiencing higher rates of diabetes, stroke, heart disease, and more.
Understanding the Root Causes
To effectively tackle the problem, we must address the root causes of healthcare disparities for people with disabilities.
Physical Accessibility
Making medical centers more physically accessible is crucial. This includes:
• Installing drop-down curbs
• Widening doorways
• Providing disabled parking
• Implementing ramps instead of staircases
Sensory Accommodations
Many hospitals have environments that can be overwhelming for individuals with sensory sensitivities. Common issues include:
• Bright overhead lighting
• Strong smells
• Loud noises and alarms
Addressing these factors can significantly improve the healthcare experience for many disabled individuals.
Innovative Solutions: The MVP Certification
The Michigan Developmental Disabilities Institute (MI-DDI) at Wayne State University has developed an innovative approach to combat accessibility issues in healthcare spaces.
Most Valuable Provider (MVP) Certification
The MVP certification program sets criteria for healthcare providers to become more inclusive. To become MVP certified, a site must be:
• Accessible
• Sensory-friendly
• Welcoming to all people, including those with disabilities
Success Stories
Wayne Health Mobile Unit
As the first to become MVP certified, the Wayne Health mobile unit focused on creating a welcoming environment for the disabled community. They reimagined their vans to be fully accessible to all community members.
Detroit Health Department
The Detroit Health Department has created a sensory treatment room to prioritize patient comfort and safety. This initiative has been positively received, providing a comfortable and safe environment for clients with disabilities.
Addressing Healthcare Provider Education
A significant factor contributing to health disparities is the lack of education for healthcare providers on how illnesses might affect people with disabilities differently.
Improving Disability Data Collection
To achieve health equity, it’s crucial to consistently and systematically collect disability status data across healthcare sites. This data is essential for:
• Establishing baselines
• Tracking progress in reducing disparities
• Informing targeted interventions
Training to Combat Ableism and Bias
The MVP program offers training to address attitudinal barriers caused by ableism and bias in healthcare professionals. This training aims to help providers see patients with disabilities as whole persons, not just focusing on immediate medical needs.
Conclusion: A Step Towards Health Equity
The MVP certification program is just the beginning of creating a more inclusive world in medicine. As more healthcare organizations become certified, we take promising steps towards health equity for people with disabilities. By addressing physical accessibility, sensory accommodations, and healthcare provider education, we can work towards closing the disability gap and ensuring quality healthcare for all.
Find out more at: https://ddi.wayne.edu/mvp
