Rates of Alcohol/Other Drug Treatment Denials to Persons With Physical Disabilities: Accessibility Concerns

A growing body of research has developed indicating that substance abuse treatment facilities have numerous physical and programmatic barriers that could inhibit the ability of persons with disabilities (PWDs) to access care. Research has found that physical barriers do, in fact, result in service denials for individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) and traumatic brain injury (TBI). The current research was undertaken to validate these findings with regard to persons with SCI and TBI, as well as to examine the impact of such barriers on the ability of individuals with other physical disabilities, including multiple sclerosis (MS), muscular dystrophy (MD), and other significant mobility impairments. Findings indicate that PWDs from each of these groups are denied services due to the presence of physical barriers at notable rates. Denial rates ranged from 65% for those with other significant mobility impairments to 87% for individuals with MS. Such extreme rates of services declines indicate a need for immediate action to address the accessibility of substance abuse treatment centers.