Reasonable Adjustments

Reasonable adjustments remove barriers for people with disability through changing or modifying the way we do things. "This includes changing the way services are delivered, ensuring that protocols and procedures work equally well for people with disabilities, and ensuring that staff are equipped with the necessary training and resources to deliver effective, timely and quality healthcare to people with disabilities” (State of New South Wales NSW Ministry of Health 2017, Responding to Needs of People with Disability during Hospitalisation,  pp. 5-6). 

It's important to recognise that reasonable adjustments are a right, not a luxury.

Click play on the video below to learn from Bianca as she shares her experience of when reasonable adjustments were required to make her hospital stay more inclusive. 

Download the transcript for Bianca reasonable adjustments

Asking patients who identify as having disability about their requirement for reasonable adjustments is a great way to ensure their needs have been met.

Adjustments for people with disability may include:

Image of a cross Changing communication formats

Image of a cross Access to Auslan interpreters

Image of a cross Provision of modified beds/equipment

Image of a cross Provision of quiet spaces

Image of a cross Allowing for additional time in appointments or consultations

Image of a cross Providing addition preparation time for pre-booked surgeries

Image of a cross Having the opportunity to visit the hospital prior to an admission

Image of a cross Providing sensory tools such as sunglasses and earplugs

Image of a cross Allowing a specified carer or family member to learn relevant health information where appropriate consent has been provided

Ask, don't assume and remember, people with disability know their disability best

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