The U-M Center for Disability Health and Wellness (U-M CDHW) is focused addressing healthcare disparities and enhancing the access to quality health care for people with disabilities across the life span. We do this by conducting research; offering direct clinical services; providing training to providers, trainees, patients, and families; and partnering with the community. At this time, we do not have a direct role in providing oversight in the systems that provide resources or supports to patients and insuring their accessibility to outpatients with disabilities. Through this page, we hope to provide you with information about the supports that do exist and the departments and offices that can provide you with support.
Patient Accessibility Resources
As one of the country’s leading healthcare providers, Michigan Medicine wants our patients and their families to have an excellent and satisfying experience. We’re also committed to providing patients with easy access to all our clinical facilities, especially for those who live with a disability. If you as a patient or caregiver face barriers to accessing our clinical services, we want to know about it. The offices and individuals below can provide you with assistance. In addition, we encourage you to reach out directly to any clinics and providers that you have appointments with, to let them know about the disability accommodations you require for an appointment.
Human Guide at Michigan Medicine
In partnership with Michigan Medicine’s Office of Patient Experience and multiple community organizations, CDHW has sponsored the Human Guide at Michigan Medicine program to improve the accessibility for blind patients and visitors at Michigan Medicine.
Patient Relations and Clinical Risk
As a Michigan Medicine patient, you have the right to express any concerns you may have. Patient Relations is the destination for patients and families when your healthcare experience fails to meet your expectations.
The Office of Patient Relations wants and needs your feedback, comments, and questions so that Michigan Medicine can improve the services and supports that we provide for you and for future patients. After you speak to them, they will work to address your concerns or questions.
Download the Patient Relations Brochure (PDF)
Phone: (734) 936-4330 or toll-free at (877) 285-7788. Monday-Friday 8a.m. - 4p.m.
Online: Concern form (secure and confidential)
Interpreter Services
Interpreter Services provides Medical Interpreters to all Michigan Medicine hospitals, clinics and health centers. The service is free of charge to both patients and providers. Our Medical Interpreters are highly qualified and carefully screened. Interpreters can be requested 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
If you are more comfortable speaking a language other than English, or if you are hard of hearing, please ask the receptionist to schedule a Medical Interpreter when you make your next appointment. We accept appointment requests up to a year in advance.
Interpreter Services - Main Office
Address: 2025 Traverwood Drive, Suite A4 Ann Arbor, MI 48105
Phone: (734) 936-7021
Email: InterpreterServices@med.umich.edu
Patient Civil Rights Coordinator
Michigan Medicine complies with applicable federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. We also do not exclude people or treat them differently because of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex.
If you believe that Michigan Medicine has failed to provide these services or discriminated in another way on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability or sex, you can file a grievance with:
Patient Civil Rights Coordinator, Michigan Medicine
Address: 2901 Hubbard Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-2435
Phone: (734) 936-6439
Email: MichMed_patients_rights@med.umich.edu
Additional Departments and Contacts
Office of Patient Experience
As part of Michigan Medicine’s commitment to improving the experience of our patients and families, the Office of Patient Experience was formally established in December 2016 to leverage best practices and resources across the institution and increase the value we provide within the health system. Michigan Medicine strives for a patient-centered culture where patients and families are empowered to have a voice in the management and delivery of their care. As patients and family members, you are at the center of your health care team. That nothing is done to you or for you without your involvement. Where your concerns and questions are answered with respect and empathy.
Patients, families, faculty, staff and students have numerous opportunities to volunteer their time and work closely with the Office of Patient Experience:
U-M IT Accessibility Efforts
The University of Michigan is committed to supporting people with accessibility needs and making our websites and patient surveys more accessible to everyone. If you have problems with technology accessibility, which also includes filling out patient surveys such as the Press Ganey Survey, please contact:
Phil Deaton, Digital Information Accessibility Coordinator, Equity, Civil Rights, and Title IX (ECRT)
Email: pdeaton@umich.edu
The Office for Health Equity & Inclusion (OHEI)
The Office for Health Equity & Inclusion (OHEI) develops mechanisms for inclusion, diversity, and cultural sensitivity among faculty, students, and staff at Michigan Medicine. Their mission is to champion diversity and inclusion for our patients, our community, and society.
Address: 5101 Medical Sciences I Building, 1150 W. Medical Center Drive Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5604
Phone: (734) 764-8185
Fax: (734) 615-4828
Email: oheiadmin@umich.edu
Equity, Civil Rights, and Title IX (ECRT)
The Equity, Civil Rights, and Title IX (ECRT) Office oversees, facilitates, and supports the University’s efforts to ensure equal opportunity for all persons regardless of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, height, weight, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions to the University of Michigan. Staff can access this resource to address issues related to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and accessibility issues. Please contact:
Address: 2072 Administrative Services 1009 Greene Street Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-1432
Phone: (734) 763-0235
Fax: (734) 936-8894
TTY: (734) 647-1388
General email: ecrtoffice@umich.edu
ADA Team: ADAcoordinator@umich.edu