Designing for Dignity: Moving the Needle
on Diagnostic Accessibility
By Dan Abeln, AIA, Principal and Director of Healthcare | EAPC Architects Engineers
When I set out to write Designing for Dignity and Equality for Minnesota Physician Publication, it wasn’t simply to share my thoughts on regulatory changes but to elevate a long overdue conversation. Accessibility in healthcare isn’t a box to check; it’s a value we embed into every decision we make as architects and designers. And as new ADA standards roll out, that value becomes even more critical.
In my role at EAPC Architects Engineers, I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with rural and urban health systems across Minnesota and beyond. Our focus has always been on human-centered design, but lately, that focus has sharpened around the diagnostic environment—where dignity is often won or lost.
When fewer than 10% of diagnostic machines are fully accessible, as cited in the National Council on Disability’s report, it’s a wake-up call. The challenge goes far beyond technical specs or compliance checklists. It’s about what patients experience—how they are moved, heard, seen, and ultimately treated.
One of the projects I highlighted in the MPP article was our work with Twin Cities Spine. There, we implemented full-length radiation panels, patient lifts, and equipment with increased weight capacities to improve access and comfort. Small changes? Maybe on paper. However, these upgrades can be life-changing for patients who have long been overlooked or underserved.
At EAPC, we’ve also made accessibility a priority in rural projects. Retrofitting wider doors, specifying wide-bore CT scanners, and carefully mapping patient pathways have become second nature in our healthcare work. These are not just design enhancements; they’re statements of inclusion.
With the DOJ’s new rule under Title II of ADA going into effect this October, it’s heartening to see federal policy finally catching up to a need that’s been glaringly obvious for decades. By August 2026, all providers must have at least one accessible exam table and a weight scale. That’s progress, but it will take thoughtful planning, collaboration with manufacturers, and, yes, advocacy from design professionals to implement well.
This is where our work gets personal. It’s more than meeting baseline requirements; it’s about listening to the lived experiences of patients, providers, and caregivers and creating spaces that reflect their realities.
I’m grateful to Minnesota Physician Publication for offering a platform to spotlight this vital issue. You can read the full article here:
Designing for Dignity and Equality
As we continue to push for environments that prioritize both functionality and compassion, I hope more architects and healthcare leaders will join in shaping spaces that don’t just serve—but uplift.
