Boston hospital to improve access, services for the disabled

BOSTON (AP) — A Boston hospital has agreed to improve access to its facilities for people with disabilities as a result of a federal Americans with Disabilities Act compliance review, the U.S. Justice Department announced Friday.

Among the changes, Tufts Medical Center has agreed to improve services for patients who are deaf or hard of hearing; improve access by removing barriers at public and common areas; make all restrooms wheelchair accessible; and provide accessible patient rooms for each medical service.

The hospital will also train staff on Americans with Disabilities Act compliance.

“This case is a reminder that we still need the basic protections provided by the ADA,” U.S. Attorney for Massachusetts Andrew Lelling said in a statement. “This is especially true for the deaf and hard-of-hearing, who often receive too little support when trying to navigate the health care system."

Tufts will also hire an ADA coordinator.

“While we have renovated many of our areas over the years to be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, many of our buildings predate the ADA and we agree there is more we must do to meet the current strict code standards and make our facilities accessible to all," hospital spokeswoman Rhonda Mann said in a statement.