The Rush Office for Equal Opportunity works closely with Human Resources, the University provost, and other key figures across the University and Medical Center to establish programs to achieve a more accessible campus and culture.
The following are among the many programs we have instituted:
Improved access and services
- Installation of an Induction Looping System into our largest conference room in the Searle Conference Center
- Rush Universal Design Standards for new Tower that includes over 24 instances of accessibility and service
- Continued implementation of accessibility audit recommendations
- Electric doors at major entrances and other high-use locations
- More parking spaces for people with disabilities and parking garage modifications to improve accessibility
- Reduced rate valet parking for patients and visitors with disabilities
- Attendants and wheelchairs in key locations for anyone who needs such assistance
- More fully accessible restrooms
- Modifications in elevators, which include installing mirrors to help people using wheelchairs and motorized vehicles
- New telephone system throughout the Medical Center with volume controls on all phones
- Teletypewriters (TTY) in key locations throughout the Medical Center and University
- Sign language and foreign language interpreter programs for patients and their families
- Sign language classes for Rush employees and students
- Creation of Rush University Disability Assessment Team
- Infrared amplification devices in Armour Academic Center classrooms
- Assistance in the cafeteria
- The Patients With Special Needs Program (to raise awareness among staff and improve care for patients with disabilities)
- A policy on service animals for inpatients, outpatients, employees, students and visitors
- Modifications for the fourth floor Atrium patient information desk to improve accommodations for individuals using wheelchairs or who have have other special needs
- Implementation of a content management system that makes the Rush website more accessible to people with disabilities
- Adjustable mammography tables, Hoyer lifts and other special equipment to improve accessibility to health services
Outreach and education
- The annual Thonar Award to recognize Rush individuals whose efforts turn a disability into a possibility
- Designated ADA 25 Chicago Program Partner
- Dedicated Human Resources Consultant to enhance opportunities for people with disabilities and veterans
- Hosted ADA Employment Forum for the community to encourage the engagement and hiring of people with disabilities
- Disability Matters Award from Springboard Consultants, for our extensive efforts re processes and programming on behalf of people with disabilities
- On-line training module for patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities
- Recognition from the city of Chicago for 15 years of ADA leadership
- An honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters to Marca Bristo, president of Access Living and past chair of the National Council on Disability
- Promotion of Disability Awareness Month and Rush Rehabilitation Week
- Nomination of qualified candidates for external awards, such as the city of Chicago's August W. Christmann Awards
- ADA Information Line in Volunteer Services for public and institutional use
- ADA information and services in Rush publications and on the website
- A patient services representative to assist with implementation of programs
- Consultation to Metro Chicago Health Care Services TTY Directory
- A director for specialized student services in Rush Medical College
- A Human Resources program to identify more job applicants with disabilities
- University admissions efforts to identify more student applicants with disabilities
- New learning disabilities initiatives related to students and employees
- College of Nursing symposium on Students With Disabilities: Nursing Education and Practices, for officials from U.S. nursing colleges, nursing organizations, regulatory agencies and disability rights groups
- Acting as a partner of the National Organization of Nurses With Disabilities
- Serving as a consultant to the Illinois Secretary of State's Office on brochure Parking Program for Persons With Disabilities: A Guide for Medical Professionals, on the proper issuance of disability parking placards
- Participation in Chicago's Annual Mentoring Day for students with disabilities
- An update of the Rush Emergency Preparedness Plan for people with disabilities
Work in progress
- Improved signage throughout institution
- New employee orientation and training and development programs
- Improved training on use of teletypewriters and Illinois Relay System
- Listing of relevant disability resources and products on Rush intranet for quick referral
- Further mammography improvements
Your input is important to us as we continuously try to improve services. If you have questions or concerns about accessibility at Rush or have a suggestion for improving services for people with disabilities, please contact a member of the Rush ADA Task Force.