Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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How do you get medical practices to provide accessible "paper"work? (self.Blind)
submitted by dancingpianofairy
All the intake forms, questionnaires, bills mailed, etc. I'm sick of it, it's discrimination, and it's illegal. It's not fair to family and friends to put this on them.
rp-turtle 5 points 3y ago
I always assume the staff will help me fill it out. When they hand me a form and pen, I usually offer it right back while smiling and politely saying, where do you wanna sit while we fill this out? If they say anything along the lines of
I can’t, can’t you do it, or I’m unable to help you, I ask, well how am I supposed to do it? All while maintaining a polite tone and smiling. That’s usually when two and two click for them and we fill it out together. For me, it’s usually a result of them thinking I’m not blind. After they realize I am blind, I don’t get any push back from them. I do think it would be nice if there were an electronic way to do it independently more widely in use.
I can’t, can’t you do it, or I’m unable to help you, I ask, well how am I supposed to do it? All while maintaining a polite tone and smiling. That’s usually when two and two click for them and we fill it out together. For me, it’s usually a result of them thinking I’m not blind. After they realize I am blind, I don’t get any push back from them. I do think it would be nice if there were an electronic way to do it independently more widely in use.
dancingpianofairy [OP] 1 points 3y ago
It sure would be nice if there were an electronic way to do it. I think my/our problem is that 1) they don't realize my spouse is blind, and 2) they see me there and assume I'll fill out the paperwork. Historically I have done so and I'm happy to help her when she needs it, but I realized that this isn't right. My spouse is entitled to her privacy just like everyone else, but also the ADA clearly says this is the responsibility of the practice. I've started pushing back with practices and have obviously met with some resistance, so I was wondering what works for y'all. Thanks!
guitarandbooks 2 points 3y ago
I'd love to see a situation where a blind employee would hand a sighted customer/client a page of Braille! "Oh, really, what do you mean you can't read this or fill it out? Why not? Maybe you should bring somebody with you next time so they can help you with this. Print? No. We do not offer our forms in print because we assume it's not needed or is not our responsibility. Sir! You need to be reasonable or I'll have to call security so they can escort you off the premises. Good day. Next!"
dancingpianofairy [OP] 2 points 3y ago
"Oh you're Braille impaired? Well that is just so unfortunate. Bless your heart! I'll pray for you."
guitarandbooks 2 points 3y ago
I really get tired of this. Doctor's offices, the DMV for renewing a state ID for example, filing a small business DBA, trying to request property records etc. I have been in so many situations where they just tell me well, you should have brought a friend or family member with you. Sometimes I've convinced a staff member to help me, sometimes not. It can be very frustrating that's for sure! Even at the social security office although that isn't so bad assuming you actually survive the marathon length wait times.
Some places have started using iPads for paperwork. Unfortunately, no place I've actually been to has offered this yet. It's 2020. Can we just be done with the general lack of accessibility and the huge waste of paper already? Uggggg.
Some places have started using iPads for paperwork. Unfortunately, no place I've actually been to has offered this yet. It's 2020. Can we just be done with the general lack of accessibility and the huge waste of paper already? Uggggg.
dancingpianofairy [OP] 1 points 3y ago
Some places have iPads, but some places have tablets. Either way, both should absolutely be able to handle a screenreader for a basic form, but I doubt (I admittedly haven't checked) they'll be accessible. Based on my experience, they have proprietary software installed for the paperwork and have the operating system locked to that one program. The practice doesn't want or need patients to go traipsing around on the internet or mucking up the settings.
For iPads, this will probably be guided access or MDM (mobile device management, it's a profile). I know voiceover CAN work with an MDM, but that doesn't mean it necessarily will with every MDM. If I remember, I'll check later if an iOS device can do guided access and voiceover at the same time. I'm guessing no since guided access relies on the accessibility shortcut.
Edit/update: Guided access can work with voiceover, but voiceover must be enabled *before* guided access. Guided access can't be turned off without the passcode or biometric authentication, so that's no good. Furthermore, when pressing a physical button, a notification appeared at the top telling me that guided access is on. I've tried pressing physical buttons (and even triple pressing home/side buttons) for doctor paperwork before, to no avail. Obviously the technology is there, but I don't think it'll be as easy as a patient or office staff enabling a screenreader on the fly. Unfortunate.
For iPads, this will probably be guided access or MDM (mobile device management, it's a profile). I know voiceover CAN work with an MDM, but that doesn't mean it necessarily will with every MDM. If I remember, I'll check later if an iOS device can do guided access and voiceover at the same time. I'm guessing no since guided access relies on the accessibility shortcut.
Edit/update: Guided access can work with voiceover, but voiceover must be enabled *before* guided access. Guided access can't be turned off without the passcode or biometric authentication, so that's no good. Furthermore, when pressing a physical button, a notification appeared at the top telling me that guided access is on. I've tried pressing physical buttons (and even triple pressing home/side buttons) for doctor paperwork before, to no avail. Obviously the technology is there, but I don't think it'll be as easy as a patient or office staff enabling a screenreader on the fly. Unfortunate.
TheBlindBookLover 1 points 3y ago
Hi. Check if your medical team uses patient record programs like MyChart. My doctors office uses this program, and patients can access the it using a computer or smart device to go through their medical records and fill out paper work. I don’t know about other devices, but I know that MyChart is accessible with VoiceOver on the iPhone.
achromatic_03 1 points 3y ago
I hear you, I sometimes ask if I'm able to get PDF versions of things...very hit or miss. However, there have been lucky times where I'm looking for a new healthcare provider and they have the forms on their website--then I know it's going to work out!
BenandGracie 1 points 3y ago
That is a good question. I usually have a relative help, or I have a staff member help at the doctor's office.
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