Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #116690

Steven West, PhD, Rehabilitation Counseling, Virginia Commonwealth University, P.O. Box 980330, Richmond, VA 23298-0330, 804-827-0921, slwest2@vcu.edu

Although research indicates that substance abuse is a large and continuing public health problem for persons with disabilities, the representation of such individuals in the treatment population has been found to be limited. Prior research has suggested that in addition to common barriers that act to prevent individuals from seeking treatment, persons with disabilities may be limited in their ability to participate in substance abuse treatment by the inaccessibility of the locations wherein such services are offered. This study sought to determine the accessibility of a random sample of substance abuse treatment facilities in the mid-Atlantic region of the U.S. for use by persons with disabilities. A random sample of 50 substance abuse treatment facilities in four Mid-Atlantic states completed a survey regarding perceived physical accessibility and were evaluated via a site visit as to their actual accessibility using a standardized assessment based on requirements from the Americans with Disabilities Act. Roughly 20% of all facilities self-reported accessibility limitations sufficient in scope to limit access by persons with disabilities. Results of the site visits indicated the accessibility rate to be sufficiently less than the self-reported rates of facility personnel. Nearly 85% of all evaluated facilities had multiple accessibility violations, many of which could impede or prohibit treatment participation. Barriers were found to substantial limit accessibility for persons with physical and sensory disabilities. Such inaccessibility is a likely promotes the low representation of persons with disabilities in the treatment population.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to

(
• articulate barriers that exist to prevent full substance abuse treatment participation of persons with disabilities; (
• detail differences in perceived versus actual rates of accessibility; and (
• detail variations in accessibility across provider types.

Keywords: Access to Care, Substance Abuse Treatment

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.