Accessibility Resources
The information below may help you plan your visit or hospital stay at Mass Eye and Ear or connect you with any accessibility resources you may need.
Alternative Formats
Mass Eye and Ear is committed to providing effective communication with persons who have disabilities. All patients and visitors are entitled to services, free of charge, that allow them to understand business and clinical processes, treatment, care plans and other relevant information. To ensure all patients and visitors have a full and equal opportunity to benefit from the goods, services, privileges, advantages and accommodations offered by Mass Eye and Ear, the following services and resources are available.
Our Alternative Format/Communication Policy provides details on auxiliary aids and services that we offer to meet the communication needs of patients and visitors with disabilities. These include:
- Electronic
- Audio
- Large print
- Braille
Alternative formats can be requested in the following ways:
- By mail or in person at:
Interpreter Services Office
243 Charles Street
Boston, MA 02114 - By sending an email to Interpreter Services
- By calling 617-573-5572 or 844-393-2327
Interpreter Services
The Office of Interpreter Services offers on-staff interpreters, interpreting via the phone, video remote, outside interpreting agencies versed in over 35 languages and written translation of critical documents for our patients. Interpreter Services are available 24/7.
Learn more about Interpreter Services
Assistive Device Kits
Assistive devices kits are available for patient use at Mass. Eye and Ear’s main campus at 243 Charles Street. The kits, which are designed for those with low vision or hearing impairment, can contain the following devices based upon patient needs:
- TTY phone
- Phone flasher
- Door knocker
- Page magnifier
- Dry erase board
- Pocket talkers
- Phone amplifier
- Doorbell alert
- Big button phone
To reserve the kit for a patient, please call 617-573-4009.
Document Reader
The document reader is an automated telephone service that allows patients to enter a document ID into the system and hear its contents read back to them.
Documents Available
- Assignment of Insurance Benefits (008)
- Consent for Medical and Surgical Procedures (004)
- Copay Letter (005)
- Information about your Bill (Split Billing Sites) (010)
- Mass HiWay Fact Sheet for Patients (009)
- Notice of Privacy Policy (NOPP) (001)
- Patient Rights (006)
- Room Rates Letter (003)
How to Use the Document Reader Service
- Patients, family members or visitors may call 617-531-0507 to listen to a document.
- After entering the document number (see available documents above), the document will be read to you.
- You will be given instructions on how to pause, resume or change the speed of the recording, or select a different document.
Service Animals
Mass. Eye and Ear understands and appreciates the vital role service animals play in the lives of their handlers, and it is our goal to make our facilities accessible to service animals to the greatest extent possible, while minimizing potential risks to our patients. Whenever possible, service animals are permitted to accompany and assist handlers who are patients at Mass. Eye and Ear, as well as handlers who are visitors to those patients.
Parking
Handicapped placard holders can find designated parking in the Charles Street parking lot. You may also park using our Valet service for a discounted rate of $15.00 (Regular rate is $18.00).
Find more parking information at our Boston main campus.
Wheelchairs and Escorts
At our Boston main campus, patients and visitors may request a wheelchair at Valet Services outside the main entrance or at the information desk in our main lobby.
Escorts are also available at the front information desk, Monday through Friday between 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Contact
If you need help accessing any of the content on this website, need content provided in an alternative format, or have additional questions or concerns, please call Guest Services at 617-573-4009.
