What are you required to do if a client has a disability?

• A. Be knowledgeable about the disability and offer accommodations.
• B. Avoid discussing disability with the client
• C. Refer the client to another professional immediately
• D. Require the client to adapt to standard services

Answer: (A)

Ensuring access for clients with disabilities means being informed about the disability and actively offering reasonable accommodations so they can participate in and benefit from treatment. This approach respects the client’s dignity and rights, and aligns with ethical standards and legal requirements that call for providing equal access to services. By understanding the specific barriers a client faces, you can adapt how services are delivered—such as communication methods, materials, or scheduling—so the client can engage effectively.

Choosing not to discuss the disability, or insisting the client must fit into standard services, or automatically referring away without attempting accommodations, fails to uphold those ethical and legal obligations. The goal is to identify the client’s needs and implement appropriate, reasonable adjustments rather than deny access or place the burden on the client.