We’re committed to digital accessibility and to complying with applicable accessibility legislation and guidelines. You can review our accessibility policy here. We also have a multi-year accessibility plan aimed at improving opportunities for people with disabilities — read it here.
Here are some best practices for providing care on Maple in an accessible, inclusive manner:
If a patient is having trouble communicating, there may be an accessibility-related communication barrier. Consider offering another form of communication (for example, an audio call).
Don’t equate disability with illness
The patient’s disability may not be the reason they’re seeking medical help.
Don’t refer to a person’s disability unless it’s relevant to what you’re writing.
Emphasize abilities
For example, instead of “Dev is confined to his wheelchair”, use a positive expression of ability such as “Dev uses a wheelchair”. Or, “Mackenzie is partially sighted” rather than “Mackenzie is partially blind”.
Be direct
When talking with a person with a disability, speak directly to them, rather than through a companion, support person, interpreter, or intervener who may be there.
Avoid references that cause discomfort, guilt, pity, or insult
Words like “suffers from”, “stricken with”, “afflicted by”, “disease”, or “sick” suggest constant pain and a sense of hopelessness. While this may be the case for some individuals, a disability is a condition that does not necessarily cause pain.
Avoid labelling and categories like“the handicapped”, “the disabled”, “the deaf”, “the blind”, “the learning disabled”, and so on.
Avoid disability-related idioms like “lame” or “falling on deaf ears.” For more information, we recommend the Ableist Language Series blog, available here.
Accessibility resources
Accessibility resources
To learn more, we recommend the following free resources:
AODA Training: https://aoda.ca/free-online-training/
Ableist Language Series, The Rolling Explorer:
EARN (Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion) Guide to Identity First Language:
Humber College Guide to Inclusive Language in Media (A style guide):
MailChimp Guide to Writing About People: https://styleguide.mailchimp.com/writing-about-people/
The Body Is Not An Apology: I am Disabled: On Identity-First Versus People-First Language:
Patient help desk