medical

getting good medical care: access for all makes it possible.

Medical facilities should be held to a higher level of accessibility compliance because—to state the obvious—many people who visit hospitals and clinics are often at their least “able”.

In such settings, the list of “accessibility barriers” is expanded. When a person is ill or injured, they may not be able to use their body to full capacity. People who are temporarily disabled may also be unfamiliar with how to effectively use equipment such as wheelchairs and other supports in relatively small spaces. In addition to people who are receiving care, access is critical for many others working or visiting a hospital or medical clinic setting.

Add to the mix lots of equipment—much of which is constantly moving and shifting—and it’s clear specialized expertise in access can make the difference between a “code compliant” facility and one that truly works for patients, caregivers, and families.

At Studio Pacifica, we have architectural expertise and—in some cases—first-person experience with just how good (or bad) a hospital or clinic setting can be when it comes to access. Our consulting team has extensive experience implementing guidelines from the Department of Justice on access to medical care for persons with disabilities, as well as knowledge on appropriate medical exam tables and equipment.

In addition, if a project requires community outreach, our team has experience planning for accessible meeting sites and moderating community discussions.

For medical clients, Studio Pacifica advises on best practices, code compliance, and wayfinding that meets the needs of all people including those with mobility issues and visual impairments.