back to July 2024 newsletter
by Kusum Punjabi, AMFT

National Disability Independence Day, celebrated annually on July 26th, marks the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) signed into law in 1990. This legislation ensures the rights of individuals with disabilities and also promotes accessibility, equality, and inclusion.

For therapists, this is a reminder of the importance of ensuring accessibility and inclusion in mental health care, so that individuals with disabilities can seek therapy without barriers. Therapists are invited to reflect on their practices, advocate for continued progress, and support clients in achieving their fullest potential.

1. Accessibility: Does your office have ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms to provide physical accessibility to individuals with mobility impairments?

2. Communication Tools: Can you provide alternative communication methods such as sign language interpreters and speech-to-text services?

3. Training: Do you engage in ongoing training on disability awareness and inclusive practices to better understand the needs of clients with disabilities?

4. Materials and Resources: Do you offer therapy materials in various formats (e.g., large print, Braille, audio)?

5. Inclusive Policies: Do your practice policies explicitly support inclusivity and non-discrimination?

6. Client Feedback: Do you seek feedback from clients with disabilities to understand their needs and improve your services?

7. Empathy and Respect: Do you approach each client with empathy and respect? Some disabilities are not visible, and their absence mustn’t be assumed.