Population of disabled patients takes many forms
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I APPLAUD Partners HealthCare’s addressing the issue of health disparities and accessibility challenges that exist for physically disabled patients (“2 flagship hospitals to upgrade accessibility,’’ Page A1, June 26). At the same time, we must go further to eliminate healthcare disparities faced by people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. As our healthcare system has become more complex and insulated, the medical needs of the intellectual and developmentally disabled populations are increasingly overlooked. Additionally, these patients experience poorer health and have less access to healthcare than the general population.
In an effort to close the gaps in healthcare quality, the Arc of Massachusetts and I have sponsored a bill that would address subpar standards of care and improve healthcare providers’ knowledge, communication, and care coordination to shore up healthcare outcomes for patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
It is important for us to remember the most vulnerable populations among us as we seek to improve our healthcare system by making quality of care equitable and available for all.
Peter J. Koutoujian
State representative
Democrat of Waltham 
