Perceived Versus Actual Physical Accessibility of Substance Abuse Treatment Facilities

This study addressed the perception of managers of substance abuse treatment facilities regarding physical accessibility for persons with spinal cord injury. Thirty of 32 facilities that were surveyed (94%) reported being wheelchair accessible in a telephone interview. An on-site survey of 15 of these programs revealed differences between reported and actual accessibility, with variations in the degree to which they actually met Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility guidelines. Thirteen of the 15 facilities (87%) had some physically inaccessible elements in their physical plant and programs. Continued education is essential to ensure that treatment facilities understand the access needs of persons with disability.