Someone just made an initial appointment and informed you that they are blind or have low vision. How can you help?
Printed Materials and Intake Forms:
- Everyone has a legal right to accessible materials.
- Explain what information you will be providing, what forms they will need to complete, and whether the forms can be found online.
- Ask if they will need assistance completing the forms. If they say yes, you may suggest that they arrive early for their appointment so someone can help them.
- Privacy is important; if you need to discuss personal or medical details to help them complete a form, find a private room; do not ask sensitive questions in a public place, such as the waiting room.
- If the person will be completing forms at home, ensure that they have them ahead of time. If appropriate, offer to email them
Patient Portals
- A well designed patient portal (such as MyChart) can be a great resource for a person who is blind and who has good computer skills. Please be sure to provide information on how to sign up and use your portal. Ask patients if they would like assistance setting up their account.
- The patient may be able to use text enlargement software or a screen reader that provides audio output to interact effectively with your portal.
- Offer to email information about the portal.
Final Suggestions
- If you give patients papers to use during the appointment, tell them what they are and who will want to see them during the appointment. If they receive written materials from their provider, check before they leave to be sure they know what they are and what they need to do with them.
- Have a designated person on staff who ensures patients receive information in a format they can read, such as Braille, large print, or accessible electronic media.
- Train your staff thoroughly to ensure full HIPAA-compliance.
• If follow-up appointments are required, ask if they need to have them e-mailed in addition to or instead of an appointment card. Many people will use calendar or voice memo apps and may not need you to send anything.