8:00am - 4:00pm PT
Dear Community,
The Stanford Disability and Telehealth Conference was held on Saturday, May 18, 2024. We explored the challenges and solutions aimed at enhancing the quality of telehealth care for individuals with disabilities.
This event was dedicated to the late National Council on Disability Chair, Andrés Gallegos, in recognition of his outstanding advocacy for people with disabilities in healthcare.
Ideal for individuals within the disability community, researchers, advocates, policymakers, medical centers, providers, technology and telehealth companies, and anyone interested in advancing accessibility and quality in telehealth services.
The conference featured national experts in disability telehealth, telemedicine, and technology.
Co-sponsored by the Stanford Medicine Alliance for Disability Inclusion and Equity (SMADIE) and the American Telemedicine Association, our goal is to foster the development of universal access and promote best practices in telehealth for individuals with disabilities.
Sincerely,
Pete Poullos, MD and Malathi Srinivasan, MD
Co-Chairs
Agenda
8:00am - 8:05am
8:05am - 8:50am
Opening Remarks
Session 1: Disability and Telehealth Overview
8:15am - 8:30am
Keynote 1: National Council on Disability
8:30am - 8:45am
Keynote 2: American Telemedicine Association
8:45am - 8:50am
Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) Welcome
8:50am - 9:40am
Session 2: Hearing: Telehealth Accessibility: Is this Inclusive of Deaf, Deafblind, and Hard of Hearing Patients?
This session explores the critical aspects of telehealth accessibility, focusing on the unique needs of deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing patients. Attendees will learn about the current barriers these communities face in accessing telehealth services and the importance of implementing inclusive communication strategies and technologies. The session aims to provide healthcare professionals with practical solutions and best practices to enhance telehealth inclusivity, ensuring equitable healthcare access for all patients.
9:40am - 10:30am
Session 3: Vision: Telehealth Accessibility for Patients with Blindness and Low Vision
We explore the challenges and opportunities in making telehealth services accessible for blind and low vision patients, including technological and communication barriers patients encounter, and explore innovative solutions that can facilitate more inclusive telehealth experiences. The discussion will also highlight best practices for healthcare providers to ensure that telehealth platforms are fully accessible, promoting equal access to healthcare services for patients with visual impairments.
10:30am - 10:40am
AM Break
10:40am - 11:30am
Session 4: Mobility: The Ethics of Telehealth for Persons with Mobility and Sensory Impairments
We explore the ethical and practical considerations for effectively delivering telehealth to persons with mobility impairments, with special attention to Veterans with mobility and sensory impairments. We will also explore the unique contextual considerations of persons in rural communities, including rural Veterans.
11:30am - 12:15pm
Lunch
12:15pm - 1:05pm
Session 5: Technology and Bold Solutions for Accessible Telehealth
Leaders from the technology and healthcare sectors discuss groundbreaking solutions for enhancing telehealth accessibility. Exploring big tech's role in driving innovations addressing the unique needs of patients with disabilities, from advanced AI-driven communication tools to user-friendly interface designs. The session aims to spotlight bold strategies and collaborative efforts that can bridge the gap in healthcare accessibility, ensuring that telehealth services are equitable and inclusive for everyone.
1:05pm - 1:55pm
Session 6: Autism and Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: Inclusive Practices for Accessible Telehealth
We explore how to integrate autism-inclusive practices into telehealth services to enhance accessibility for individuals on the autism spectrum. Attendees will explore the specific challenges faced by autistic patients in accessing telehealth, including sensory sensitivities and communication barriers. Through a comprehensive review of evidence-based strategies and technology adaptations, healthcare professionals will learn how to create more accommodating and effective telehealth environments for autistic patients, ensuring equitable access to healthcare services.
1:55pm - 2:05pm
PM Break
2:05pm - 2:55pm
Session 7: Cognitive Impairment: Accessible Telehealth in Dementia
This session addresses the unique challenges and strategies for providing accessible telehealth services to patients with dementia. Participants will be introduced to the cognitive, communicative, and technological barriers that can impede the effective use of telehealth for this population. The discussion will focus on practical approaches and modifications that can enhance telehealth accessibility, including caregiver involvement, user-friendly technology, and tailored communication techniques, aiming to ensure that patients with dementia receive equitable and effective healthcare support.
2:55pm - 3:45pm
Session 8: Telehealth Providers Discuss Accessible Telehealth
We explore how healthcare providers can best utilize telehealth technologies for people with disabilities, including telehealth accommodations for providers & staff who have disabilities. This expert panel will share insights, research and firsthand experiences to bring these issues to life. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn from real-world examples of overcoming accessibility barriers for diverse disability patient populations. This engaging panel discussion aims to foster a collaborative environment where healthcare professionals can exchange innovative ideas and best practices for making telehealth services more inclusive and accessible to all patients.