When must medical facilities eliminate structural communication barriers in existing facilities?
A. Medical facilities must remove structural barriers when the removal of those barriers is “readily achievable,” i.e. easy to accomplish, without much difficulty or expense. Examples of readily achievable changes include the installation of flashing alarm systems, permanent signage, and adequate sound buffers. 28 C.F.R. 36.304(a) and (b). Q. Does the ADA require access to closed captioned television programs for individuals residing in health care facilities on a temporary or permanent basis? A. Yes. At times, health care providers offer information to clients and patients in form of videotapes. The ADA requires that all public accommodations, including health care providers, make aurally delivered information available to deaf and hard of hearing individuals. 28 C.F.R. 36.303(b)(1). One very effective way of making videotapes accessible to these individuals is to caption these tapes. Q. Must health care providers make conferences, health education, and training sessions that are open
