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Gallegos ’ pointed out that for those who are physically disabled – if they cannot independently transfer from their wheelchairs onto exam chairs , an optometrist or ophthalmologist would either refuse to provide the examination or conduct the examination using a manual method that is not as effective or thorough as using modern optometry equipment . People who are physically disabled confront that same issue when needing dental care . If the person cannot independently transfer onto a dental examination chair , they would either be turned away or the dentist would complete a cleaning or treatment with the individual remaining in their wheelchair - an extremely uncomfortable and painful experience , particularly for the vast majority of people with physical disabilities who utilize wheelchairs that do not tilt or recline . Unfortunately , these concerns are rarely thought about by able-bodied persons .
Not only are these barriers leading to lower levels of care , but they also directly impact the health and well-being of the disabled community – persons with disabilities are twice as likely to be obese , and are at higher risk for unmet prescription needs and untreated dental issues .
Gallegos and his partners prevailed in each of those cases and the settlements required those providers to utilize rollers underneath the examination chair to facilitate moving it out of the way so that persons utilizing wheelchairs
Andres with his grandchildren
can position them in place . All of the eye examination equipment needed for a thorough examination is now placed on movable height adjustable tables or equipment stands for them to use . Additionally , Gallegos and his partners addressed the same issue at national dental clinics , specifically Dental Works and Aspen Dental , who were either dissuading people with mobility disabilities from obtaining dental care because they had no manner by which to transfer them out of their wheelchairs on to the examination chair ; or were treating them while they remained in their wheelchairs . Gallegos negotiated settlements , requiring them to install overhead lift equipment for Aspen Dental , and Dental Works acquired lift and transfer equipment to use for those who cannot independently transfer onto the examination chair .
With this significant success , Gallegos notes , “ We have addressed physical accessibility for health care services with a number of healthcare systems in Illinois and in other states , requiring significant financial investments to make patient rooms accessible for patients with disabilities who utilize mobility devices ; ensuring healthcare systems can safely transfer us from our mobility devices on to examination tables and diagnostic and imaging equipment when clinically necessary ; and have addressed communication access issues for people who are deaf , ensuring healthcare providers provide them with appropriate auxiliary aids and services to achieve effective communication .”
Gallegos and his team are now finalizing a settlement with a