Guest highlights gaps in medical-office accessibility beyond parking

Mary Caruso described accessibility shortcomings inside medical settings that go beyond parking: lifts for transfers, accessible exam tables and scales are often missing, she said, meaning patients who use wheelchairs or lifts must arrange extra help or bring equipment from home.

"For instance, you know if Al goes in for an x-ray or an ultrasound and needs to get on a table, you'd be surprised how... you get there and there's no lift," Caruso said, describing repeated problems when facilities tell callers they have a lift but the equipment is unavailable on arrival. She said PLA is pushing for health-care facilities to plan for lifts and accessible exam equipment so patients can receive routine care without added burdens.

Caruso also described buying a small scale to use at home when insurance would not cover accessible equipment and said PLA helps families navigate the application and renewal processes for placards and related accessibility services.