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Providing Evidence-based Oral Health Care to Individuals Diagnosed with Degenerative Disorders, Part 1: Multiple Sclerosis
Disability Etiquette

Course Author(s): Melanie Simmer-Beck, RDH, PhD

Disability Etiquette

Proper disability etiquette is continually evolving as we learn more about providing care to, and interacting with, individuals diagnosed with a disability. The number one factor healthcare providers need to be conscious of is the individual always comes before the disability. This is called “People First Language.” For example, you are providing care to an “individual diagnosed with MS.” You are not providing care to your “MS patient.” Individuals do not want to be defined by their disability. Keep in mind, the right language should avoid prejudices, assumptions, and stereotypes. Providers should focus on using language that is respectful and courteous. Table 5 provides phrases dental professionals should try to avoid and suggestions for making the statement in a non-discriminatory, respectful way.48

Table 5. People First Language
Phrases to Avoid…Use Instead…
MS person/patient/client, MSers.Person with MS/who has MS.
When he/she was stricken with MS.When he/she was diagnosed with MS.
Wheelchair bound, confined to a wheelchair.Uses a wheelchair.
Sufferer, afflicted, victim, invalid, crippled, stricken.Person with a disability.
Handicapped/disabled parking.Accessible parking.

Proper disability etiquette should also avoid making assumptions. Figure 3 provides a list of assumptions commonly made that should be averted. Providers should not assume a person diagnosed with a disability needs help. They should offer assistance and be respectful of the individual’s response. When communicating with an individual in a wheelchair make eye contact by stepping back or sitting in a chair to have the conversation. Do not lean on the individual’s wheelchair. Individuals with disabilities will sometime utilize a service dog. Providers should not interact or pet the service dog unless they are invited to do so.

Figure 3. Commonly Made Assumptions that Should be Averted.
  • People living with disabilities are “courageous.”
  • People’s lives are ruined by disease or disability.
  • Disability (MS) dominates a person’s life.
  • Disease or disability was caused by something the person did or did not do.
  • People with disabilities aren’t as smart (capable, interesting, diverse) as other people.
  • People with disabilities are sick.
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