Advocacy Team
Access Living friends and allies,
Let’s talk about what happens when a disabled person has to go to the hospital in an ambulance. In Chicago, if you use a wheelchair, scooter, walker, or even a communication device, you may be advised that you will not be able to keep your assistive devices with you in the ambulance. It is then your full responsibility to coordinate transportation for your devices, despite the fact that you will be occupied with seeking immediate medical attention.
We know that people with disabilities use their assistive devices to stay healthy and to communicate. So, why won’t emergency services in Chicago help take these devices to you at the hospital? This is the focus of Access Living’s Emergency Services Campaign.
This Wednesday July 20, we will host a second town hall meeting on emergency services. Join Access Living’s Task Force for Attendant Services (TFAS) for a virtual community conversation about emergency transportation from 5:30 PM-7 PM. Come share your story about emergency transportation services. Have you ever had to go to the hospital in an ambulance, but you could not take your assistive device or devices with you? We want to learn what happens and what solutions people feel would be important. You will also hear an update/discussion of our campaign.
Please register for this Community Conversation at this link. ASL and Spanish interpreters as well as CART transcription will be provided during the event. If you need additional information or have question about this event please contact Healthcare/HCBS Community Organizer Ryan McGraw at rmcgraw@accessliving.org or 312-640-2125.
Let’s work to transform healthcare together. We hope you join us for this important conversation.