Wheelchair Location
For patients and visitors that require the use of a wheelchair, TGH offers them on a first-come, first-serve basis. The wheelchairs are located near the main admissions area of TGH and can be requested upon patient/visitor check-in.
Parking
TGH exceeds the requirement of accessible parking spaces under the ADA. The accessible spaces are available in our visitor parking garage on a first-come, first-serve basis. Accessible spaces within the garage are clearly marked. Garage parking is available for a flat $3 rate that is due upon exiting the garage (the first hour is free). Cash and credit cards are accepted.
A free courtesy shuttle is available from the parking garage to your destination on the TGH campus. After you park, call (813) 844-2277.
High-top vehicles cannot be accommodated in the visitor garage. If you are arriving in such a vehicle, please follow the signs for oversized vehicle parking.
Visitors with a Service Animal
What is a Service Animal?
As defined in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a service animal is a dog or miniature horse that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability. Emotional support animals are not covered under the ADA and therefore not permitted at TGH.
Where is my Service Animal Permitted to Go?
Service animals can accompany patients and visitors in patient rooms and anywhere in the hospital where the public is allowed. For the safety of patients and the service animal, service animals may be prohibited from entering some areas where increased infection control measures are necessary.
Who is responsible for my Service Animal while I am in TGH?
The handler must care for all the service animal’s needs (feeding, walking, etc.) while in the hospital. If the handler is not able to do so, there must be a designated visitor that will perform those needs for the animal to remain in the facility. If you do not have a person who can care for your animal while you are admitted, the Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center can assist with temporary boarding of an animal.
Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center (HCPRC)
Phone: (813) 301-PETS
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8am - 5 pm
After Hours Phone: (813) 744-5660
Service Animal Handler’s Responsibilities
- Service animal must be vaccinated for rabies
- Service animal must be housebroken
- The service animal should be harnessed or leashed. However, in cases where the handler is unable to hold a leash because of a disability, the handler must be able to control the service animal by voice commands
- Uncontrolled barking, jumping on other people, growling/aggression, or running away from the handler are examples of unacceptable behavior for a service animal
Our Commitment to Nondiscrimination and Accessibility
Tampa General Hospital complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. Tampa General Hospital does not exclude people or treat them differently because of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex.
Tampa General Hospital provides free aids and services to people with disabilities to communicate effectively with us, such as:
- Qualified sign language interpreters
- Written information in other formats (large print, audio, accessible electronic formats, other formats) is all available to patients and visitors upon request.
Tampa General Hospital believes in the full entitlement of human rights for people with disabilities, including the following:
- Individuals with disabilities shall be treated with dignity and respect for their individual autonomy in making their own choices and decisions as it relates to their basic needs.
- Individuals with disabilities shall have the full benefit of legislation, policies and laws that protect their right to live without discrimination and vigorously promote full social, economic, and cultural inclusion.
- Individuals with disabilities, and their representative organizations, shall be actively involved and in consultation with the development and implementation of legislation and policies, and in other decision-making processes concerning issues relating to persons with disabilities.
- All individuals with disabilities are recognized as equal before and under the law and are entitled without any discrimination to equal protection and equal benefit of the law, including equal access to effective legal protection.
- Children with disabilities shall enjoy the full array of human rights and freedoms on an equal basis with other children, with the best interest of the child being the primary consideration and with the right to express their views freely on all matters affecting them. Their views must be given due weight in accordance with their age and maturity, on an equal basis with other children, and they must be provided with disability and age-appropriate assistance to realize that right.
- Individuals with disabilities should be afforded the right to choose where they live, including the right to live independently and participate fully in all aspects of life. Appropriate measures will ensure access, on an equal basis with others, to the physical environment, to transportation, to information and communication, including information and communication technologies and systems, and to other facilities and services open or provided to the public, both in urban and rural areas. Persons with disabilities shall have the opportunity to choose with whom they live on an equal basis with others and are not obliged to live in a particular living arrangement.
- Every individual with a disability has the inherent right to life.
Resources
Florida Alliance for Assistive Services & Technology
Center for Autism and Related Disabilities-USF
Lighthouse for the Blind & Low Vision