Accessibility Resources and Services
Rush is committed to caring for and supporting people with disabilities and their families. We offer a safe, accommodating and respectful care environment.
Rush is committed to caring for and supporting people with disabilities and their families. We offer a safe, accommodating and respectful care environment.
If you would like help with any of our services, contact Rush Disability Access by phone at (312) 942-1999 or email at disability_access@rush.edu, or you can fill out our patient intake form. A member of our team will contact you within two business days to help coordinate your needs.
To learn more about specific Rush clinical resources for patients with disabilities or to schedule an appointment with an inclusive care provider, please visit our Disability+ Care page.
Accessible Parking
A discounted rate of $10 for valet parking is available to people with disabilities.
Curbside valet service is available at the following parking entrances:
- Main hospital entrance, 1620 W. Harrison St.
- Atrium Building, 1653 W. Congress Parkway
- Professional Building, 1725 W. Harrison St.
- Joan and Paul Rubschlager Building, 1520 W. Harrison St.
If you would like a wheelchair or an aide to assist you, these resources can be requested at the building locations above.
Designated parking for people with disabilities is available on the fourth and fifth floor levels of Section A in Rush's parking garage and on every floor near the elevators of the Joan and Paul Rubschlager Building parking garage. A valid disability license plate or placard must be visible.
Learn more about parking at Rush.
Public Transportation
The following ADA-accessible Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) train stations are adjacent to the Medical Center campus:
- Illinois Medical District (Blue Line)
- Polk (Pink Line)
The following CTA bus routes include stops at or near Rush:
- #7 Harrison (weekdays)
- #9 Ashland (weekdays and weekends)
- #126 Jackson (weekdays and weekends)
- #157 Streeterville/Taylor (weekdays)
PACE Route 755 provides weekday, rush-hour service between Plainfield and downtown Chicago. Inbound buses stop at Harrison St. and Paulina St. in the morning. Outbound buses stop in the afternoon.
Learn more about public transportation near Rush.
Service Animals
Rush provides access to service animals whenever possible. Please read our full service animal policy at the link below to learn about handler responsibilities and how we can accommodate your needs.
There is a pet relief station located on the grassy area at the west end of the Joan and Paul Rubschlager Building along S. Ashland Ave.
Learn more about Rush’s service animal policy.
Interpreter and Captioning Services
To request a sign language interpreter and/or real-time captioning services, please use the following contact information:
- Call (312) 563-2987
- Email disability_access@rush.edu.
A member of our team will contact you within two business days to help coordinate your needs.
Learn more about interpreter services at Rush.
Preparing for Your Hospital Visit
Coming to the hospital can be particularly stressful and overwhelming if you or your loved one has an intellectual or developmental disability. Rush offers customized services to help make sure you have a positive experience here.
We offer the following services:
- Clear masks: Clear face masks are available. To help improve communications, visitors and patients can request that providers and staff switch from paper masks to a transparent mask. Please contact the clinic or provider's office before your appointment if possible. You can also request clear masks when you check in for your appointment.
- Disability assistance: Our team can do everything from assisting with scheduling to making arrangements for personalized requests based on your individual needs or concerns.
- Neurodiversity Allies: NDA is a Rush University student organization that creates opportunities for future health care providers to be allies when caring for individuals with disabilities. It allows them to develop and practice communication, interpersonal and awareness skills that are crucial in providing quality care for neurodiverse patients. They make visitations at Rush to interact with patients with disabilities and focus on making their hospital stay more comfortable. Email requests to neurodiversity_allies@rush.edu.
To take advantage of any of these services, please contact:
Kevin Irvine
(312) 942-1999
disability_access@rush.edu
A member of our team will contact you within two business days to help coordinate your needs.
Contact Rush disability access.
Other Useful Resources
- Get tips for your next doctor’s visit from the Illinois Disability and Health Program.
- Fill out your My Health Resume before you come to the hospital and bring it with you. This form is made available by the Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities and helps providers treat patients in a way that best communicates and addresses their needs.
- Learn more from our Autism Resource Directory.
- Find providers at Rush who specialize in treating patients with disabilities.