Primer on disability: Why accessibility is important for all medical physicists

Abstract

Disability and accessibility remain under-addressed topics despite the increasing prevalence of disabled people in the workforce. In the field of medical physics, there is growing evidence that the proportion of people with one or more disabilities mirrors that of the US population. Addressing disability and accessibility is a crucial facet of the American Association of Physicists in Medicine's 2018 strategic goal to “champion equity, diversity, and inclusion in the field of medical physics.” This review aims to provide guidance on disability-related topics in the context of the medical physics profession. An overview of current knowledge and recommendations is provided on essential topics such as how to comply with federal law, handle accommodation requests, and discuss disability using appropriate language. To that end, background information such as definitions, models, and classifications of disability is included. Beyond the essentials, this review also applies disability-related concepts to improve overall efficiency and productivity, attract diverse talent, and demonstrate leadership as an individual or organization.