Health care access and the Americans with Disabilities Act: A mixed methods study

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that health care entities provide full and equal access to people with disabilities. However, results of previous studies have indicated that the ADA has been largely ineffective at creating systemic change in the delivery of health care.

The objective of this study was to examine the current barriers to health care access experienced by people with disabilities under Titles II and III of the ADA.

This study utilized a mixed methods multiphase design. In phase one, a survey and focus groups were conducted with individuals with disabilities who experienced barriers to health care access. In phase two, key informant interviews were conducted with individuals who had a role in ensuring equal access to health care for people with disabilities.

In the current context of health care reform, people with disabilities continue to experience multiple barriers to health care access under Titles II and III of the ADA. However, a notable result is that several provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) have likely bolstered existing directives implementing requirements for health care access under the ADA.

The results of this study provide additional support for a comprehensive examination of both the national standards for accessible health care and the enforcement of laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability.