Improved healthcare access for Chicago's disabled residents via a settlement with a local MRI provider.
Article:
Chicago-based MRI provider Open MRI has agreed to enhance accessibility for patients with mobility disabilities, following a federal lawsuit filed by Chicago resident Ramon Canellada in September 2024. The lawsuit accused Preferred Open MRI, Ltd., doing business as Preferred Imaging Centers, of violating federal and state disability rights laws by refusing services to Canellada due to his disability.
Under the settlement agreement, Open MRI will implement new policies and practices to ensure accessibility, procure accessible medical equipment, and train staff to provide transfer assistance. Other obligations include revising scheduling procedures, designing an ADA Compliance Officer, establishing a complaint process, and educating employees on best practices for serving individuals with disabilities.
"The ADA was enacted 35 years ago, and it remains crucial to eliminate barriers for people with disabilities," said Canellada. "I appreciate Open MRI Ltd.'s rapid response and recognition that accessible healthcare services are beneficial for the community and for business."
Charles R. Petrof, Senior Attorney at Access Living, emphasized the significance of accessible healthcare options: "Denying such services causes poor health for people with disabilities. We're glad to support the disabled community in achieving a fair opportunity at good health."
Rachel M. Weisberg, Supervising Attorney at Disability Rights Advocates, highlighted the fundamental importance of access to healthcare: "Access to healthcare is a basic right. We were proud to collaborate with Ramon Canellada and Access Living to improve access to crucial healthcare services in our community."
Established in 1980, Access Living is a disability-led center offering services, advocacy, and social change for those with disabilities. The organization aims to create a world free from barriers and discrimination, where disability is viewed as a natural part of life. For more information, visit www.accessliving.org.
Disability Rights Advocates is a leading national disability rights legal center with offices in Chicago, Berkeley, and New York City. Dedicated to advancing the rights, inclusion, and equity of people with disabilities, DRA has previously litigated cases resulting in systemic improvements to healthcare access. For more information, visit www.dralegal.org.
- In light of the advances in science and health-and-wellness, ensuring mental health services are accessible for individuals with disabilities is a vital step towards equitable healthcare, similar to the efforts made by Open MRI.
- To fully appreciate the significance of accessible healthcare options, it's essential to understand how denying such services can impact not only the mental health but also the physical well-being of people with disabilities - a lesson that was underscored by the case involving Ramon Canellada and Preferred Open MRI.
