Is discrimination against the disabled common here?

Posted by Lymewisconsin @jamiedolan, Oct 3 11:20pm

I have a hearing disability and I speak loudly due to that disability. Apparently during a phone call a nurse thought I was yelling and a letter was sent issuing a permanent ban from visiting the clinic because they thought I was yelling. I do not understand how a medical clinic could not understand that some people have hearing disabilities and their speech is louder and this is not yelling or a lack of emotional control.

I wonder if this is common practice at this institution? I do not like to support businesses and organizations that practice outright discrimination against people with disabilities. I thought there were federal laws that protected people with disabilities. Perhaps I'm confused and those don't apply to this organization?

Whom would I contact to let them know of the discrimination I have been subject to due to my disability?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Visiting Mayo Clinic Support Group.

laura1970 | @laura1970 | Oct 4 12:42am

Thank u for your comment. I was considering thHABIT program for cognative decline for my parents my mother has MCI. My dad has the same issue. It sounds like it wouldn’t be a good fit for them. Thank you for letting me know.

I don’t know much about how to address the problem. Perhaps writing a letter would help. Also the ADA website has tons of great information

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Oct 4 7:02am

@jamiedolan, I'm sorry to hear about your experience. Mayo Clinic is dedicated to accessibility for patients and staff and has been recognized for its disability inclusion https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-recognized-for-disability-inclusion/

I'm sure you were shocked to get the letter. The best way to have this issue and miscommunication addressed is to contact the Office of Patient Experience. Here's how to reach them.

Mayo Clinic Office of Patient Experience
Phone: 844-544-0036 (toll free)
Email: opx@mayo.edu
https://www.mayoclinic.org/about-mayo-clinic/patient-experience

walkinggirl | @walkinggirl | Oct 5 9:33am

My hearing disability is listed right on my chart, if medical/other people are not aware, I tell them first thing. Phones are monsters for the hard of hearing. Would it be possible to explain your particular way of talking FIRST ("I am speaking very loudly because of my hearing, please bear with me."). As you know too well, it's a challenging disability to live with. It is different than a broken arm or being confined to a wheelchair - it's an unseen one! I hated trying to talk on the phone! New hearing aids with Bluetooth features have changed that activity, but not the me-speaking-loudly part. That said, can someone else be a third party when making phone calls and actually do the talking?