Policy Title: Mobility and Disability Policy
Effective Date: 7/12/2024
Purpose: To ensure accessibility, equity, and inclusivity for all patients, regardless of their mobility or disability needs, while receiving medical eyecare services.

1. Policy Statement

This policy affirms The Eye Clinic’s commitment to providing an accessible, welcoming, and accommodating environment for patients with mobility challenges or disabilities. We strive to eliminate barriers and ensure that every individual can access our services with dignity and respect.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all employees, contractors, and volunteers of The Eye Clinic, as well as any third-party service providers operating on our premises. It covers the physical, digital, and service-related aspects of patient care.

3. Physical Accessibility

  • Facility Design:
    • All clinics and service locations comply with relevant accessibility standards.
    • Entrance, reception area, consulting rooms, and toilet are wheelchair accessible, with ramps where necessary.
    • Adequate parking spaces, including designated spaces for disabled individuals, are available and clearly marked.
  • Mobility Aids:
    • We provide wheelchairs, walkers, or mobility aids for patient use.
    • Our examination rooms are large enough to accommodate mobility aids and companion seating.
  • Signage:
    • Clear, high-contrast, signage is used in the facility.

4. Service Delivery

  • Communication:
    • Staff are trained to communicate effectively with patients with disabilities, including the use of assistive technologies or interpreters as needed.
    • We offer patient information in accessible formats, such as large print, audio, or digital formats compatible with screen readers.
  • Appointment Scheduling:
    • We provide options for remote appointment booking and teleconsultation to minimise travel for patients with mobility challenges.
    • We allow flexible scheduling to accommodate longer appointment times for patients requiring assistance.
  • Companions and Service Animals:
    • We permit patients to be accompanied by a support person or service animal during appointments.
    • We ensure service animal accommodations are met in examination rooms.

5. Digital Accessibility

  • Our website and patient portals adhere to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) to allow users with disabilities to access information and services online.

6. Employee Training

  • We regularly train staff on:
    • Awareness of mobility and disability issues.
    • Proper use of mobility aids and assistive devices.
    • Effective communication techniques with individuals with disabilities.

7. Feedback and Continuous Improvement

  • We welcome anonymous feedback via our suggestion box or feedback form, to collect input from patients regarding accessibility.
  • We periodically review and update our policies based on feedback and evolving best practices.

8. Compliance and Monitoring

  • A designated Accessibility Officer monitors compliance with this policy.
  • We conduct regular accessibility audits to ensure the physical environment and services meet required standards.

9. Grievance and Complaint Process

  • We provide a straightforward, confidential process for patients to report any accessibility-related issues or grievances.
  • We ensure complaints are addressed promptly, with clear communication on resolution steps.

10. Policy Review

This policy is reviewed annually or as needed to ensure compliance with changing regulations and to incorporate feedback from patients and staff.

Approved By:
Ian Kenny
Director
7/12/2024

This policy ensures that every individual seeking eyecare services at The Eye Clinic can access the care they need in an environment that respects their abilities and challenges.