At Preferred Imaging Centers, we are proud to recognize Disability Pride Month this July—a time to celebrate the achievements, contributions, and resilience of people with disabilities. As a leading medical imaging provider committed to compassionate, accessible care in Chicago and the surrounding communities, we believe in promoting inclusivity and empowering all individuals through healthcare excellence.
What Is Disability Pride Month?
Disability Pride Month is observed every July in the United States to commemorate the landmark signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on July 26, 1990. This historic legislation prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities and guarantees equal access to employment, transportation, public accommodations, and healthcare.
But Disability Pride Month is more than just a legal milestone—it’s a celebration of identity, visibility, and community. It honors the lived experiences of millions of Americans living with physical, intellectual, developmental, and invisible disabilities.
💬 Why It Matters in Healthcare
As a leading diagnostic imaging provider in Chicago, Preferred Imaging Centers recognizes the unique needs of patients with disabilities—whether they require mobility assistance, sensory accommodations, or simply respectful, individualized attention.
Our team is dedicated to:
- ADA-compliant facilities with accessible entrances, restrooms, and equipment
- Compassionate care for patients who may experience anxiety, pain, or sensory sensitivity
- Clear communication with patients and caregivers throughout every stage of the imaging process
- Flexible scheduling and support for patients with transportation or mobility limitations
We believe healthcare should never be a barrier—it should be a bridge to better understanding, treatment, and independence.
🏙️ Celebrating Disability Pride in Chicago
Chicago has a rich history of disability advocacy and accessibility leadership, including hosting Disability Pride Parades and community events that spotlight local artists, activists, and organizations. It’s also home to numerous resources and support networks that empower individuals and families across the region.
This month, Preferred Imaging Centers encourages our patients, staff, and neighbors to learn more, listen more, and lend support to the disability community—through advocacy, accessibility, and everyday inclusion.
💙 A Commitment to Respect and Care
At Preferred Imaging Centers, we honor Disability Pride Month by continuing our mission to provide high-quality, accessible diagnostic imaging to every patient—regardless of age, ability, or background.
We serve patients across Chicago, Elgin, and Orland Park, offering a wide range of services including:
- MRI (Open and High-Field)
- CT scans
- X-rays
- Ultrasound
- Arthrograms and more
Your dignity, comfort, and voice matter to us—this month and every month.
📞 Schedule With Us Today
If you or someone you care for needs accessible, compassionate imaging services, contact Preferred Imaging Centers to schedule an appointment at one of our Chicago-area locations. We’re here to support you—every step of the way.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) defines a disability as:
“A physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.”
This includes a broad range of disabilities, both visible and invisible, and applies to people who:
- Currently have a disability
- Have a history of a disability
- Are perceived as having a disability
✅ Common Disabilities Covered Under the ADA
🧠 Neurological & Mental Health Conditions
- Autism spectrum disorders
- ADHD
- Depression and anxiety disorders
- Bipolar disorder
- Schizophrenia
- PTSD
- Epilepsy
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
🏃 Mobility & Physical Impairments
- Paralysis (paraplegia, quadriplegia)
- Cerebral palsy
- Amputation or limb loss
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Muscular dystrophy
- Arthritis (if limiting daily activities)
- Spina bifida
👁️🗨️ Sensory Disabilities
- Blindness or low vision
- Deafness or significant hearing loss
- Sensory processing disorders (when functionally limiting)
❤️ Chronic Health Conditions
- Diabetes
- Cancer (current or in remission)
- HIV/AIDS
- Heart disease
- Asthma and COPD
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Kidney disease
- Epilepsy
🗣️ Speech & Communication Disorders
- Stuttering (if substantially limiting)
- Aphasia
- Voice disorders
⚖️ Key Legal Points
- Not every medical condition qualifies—it must substantially limit major life activities, such as walking, speaking, seeing, hearing, breathing, learning, or working.
- The ADA also protects those with temporary disabilities that are severe (e.g., recovery from surgery or injury).
📌 The ADA Covers:
- Employment (Title I)
- Public services and transportation (Title II)
- Public accommodations and commercial facilities (Title III)
- Telecommunications (Title IV)
- Miscellaneous provisions (Title V)
Patients with disabilities covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) may require diagnostic imaging services just like anyone else—but often with modifications, accommodations, or specialized equipment to ensure comfort, safety, and accessibility. Imaging centers like Preferred Imaging Centers can play a vital role by offering inclusive and ADA-compliant imaging services. We invite our patients to view our ADA Policy.
🧠 Imaging for Neurological & Mental Health Disabilities
Patients with conditions like epilepsy, autism, brain injury, or anxiety disorders may need:
- MRI or CT scans of the brain (for seizures, stroke, trauma, or tumors)
- Sedation or Open MRI options for patients with claustrophobia or sensory sensitivities
🏃 Imaging for Mobility or Physical Impairments
For patients with paralysis, cerebral palsy, amputations, or arthritis:
- X-rays or MRI for joint damage, chronic pain, or prosthetic evaluation
- Ultrasound for blood flow or soft tissue assessments in limbs
- ADA-compliant imaging suites with accessible tables, lifts, or transfer assistance
👁️🗨️ Imaging for Sensory Disabilities
For patients with vision or hearing loss:
- Clear verbal explanations, large print, or sign language interpreter services
- Technicians trained to offer step-by-step guidance
- Use of visual cues or touch assistance when needed
❤️ Imaging for Chronic Health Conditions
For patients with diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease, or kidney disorders:
- MRI imaging, CT scans, or ultrasound for organ and vascular monitoring
- X-rays to assess complications like neuropathy or joint damage
- Arthrograms for joint evaluation (especially in arthritis or mobility-related conditions)
🧑🦼 How Imaging Centers Can Support ADA Patients
To truly meet ADA standards, imaging centers should offer:
- Accessible entrances, restrooms, and waiting rooms
- Wheelchair-friendly scanning equipment
- Flexible appointment scheduling
- Staff trained in disability sensitivity and communication
📍 At Preferred Imaging Centers (Chicago, Elgin, Orland Park)
We’re proud to provide:
- Open MRI and high-field MRI options
- Wheelchair-accessible facilities
- Caring technologists trained in patient-centered care
- A commitment to making every patient feel safe, informed, and respected
🗓️ Schedule Your CT, MRI, Ultrasound or X-ray Scan Today
If your doctor or healthcare provider has recommended an image scan related to a qualified ADA disability, you can trust the experts at Preferred Imaging Centers in Chicago and Orland Park. We’re here to provide precise answers and peace of mind as well as affordable and quality image scanning for our patients.
