Making Medical Care More Accessible: 5 Simple Steps to Get It Right

If you’ve ever felt frustrated during a doctor’s visit, you’re not alone. For many of us with disabilities, those visits can sometimes feel more like obstacles to overcome than opportunities for care. Living with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) has taught me that healthcare isn’t just about medical expertise—it’s also about connection, understanding, and accessibility.

Looking for connection in the doctor's office

Over the years, I’ve become my own advocate in doctors’ offices, learning to ask for what I need and ensuring I’m treated as more than just a medical chart. Along the way, I’ve also discovered that small, intentional actions by healthcare providers can make a world of difference.

When I speak to medical professionals, my goal is to inspire them to rethink how they approach patient care. It’s not about overhauling their entire practice overnight but starting with simple, impactful steps. Here are five ways medical teams can make their practices more inclusive and disability-friendly.

1. Don’t assume—ask questions

It’s tempting to think you know what a patient needs just by looking at them, but trust me—assumptions miss the mark more often than not. I can’t count the number of times someone has guessed wrong about my abilities or preferences. A simple question like, “How can we make this visit easier for you?” can go a long way. It’s respectful, it’s collaborative, and it ensures you’re meeting the patient where they are.

2. Move the chair before the patient arrives

This one is so simple it’s almost laughable, but it makes such a difference. When I roll into an exam room and see a chair blocking the space where my wheelchair needs to go, it’s an awkward reminder that accessibility wasn’t considered. Taking a moment to move the chair before I arrive shows thoughtfulness and sends a clear message: “We’re ready for you.”

3. Offer diverse forms of paperwork

Filling out forms might seem like a minor inconvenience, but for those of us with limited mobility, it can be a big challenge. Offering electronic forms, verbal check-ins, or even a staff member to assist can make this process much more manageable. It’s not just about practicality—it’s about making patients feel like their needs are considered from the start.

4. Use inclusive language

Words matter, plain and simple. Hearing phrases like “confined to a wheelchair” immediately makes me feel like my mobility device is a limitation rather than a tool of independence. Instead, try saying “a person who uses a wheelchair.” It’s a small shift, but it reframes the narrative and puts the focus back on the person.

5. Offer flexible appointment schedules

Life is already full of challenges when you have a disability. Adding rigid appointment times to the mix doesn’t help. Offering longer appointment slots, telehealth options, or even off-peak scheduling can make a huge difference. It’s a simple way to show that you value your patients’ time and circumstances.

Why this matters

Here’s the thing: accessibility isn’t just about ramps or automatic doors—it’s about creating an environment where patients feel seen, respected, and cared for. As someone who’s spent my life navigating the healthcare system, I know what a difference inclusive practices can make.

These tips may seem small, but they’re powerful tools that can help bridge the gap between medical professionals and their patients. When providers take the time to implement even one or two of these changes, it shows patients with disabilities that their needs are not an afterthought.

This year, my focus is on encouraging healthcare teams to rethink how they deliver care. Whether it’s speaking to medical students, hospital staff, or industry leaders, my goal is the same: to inspire a shift toward more thoughtful, empathetic, and inclusive healthcare practices.

Because at the end of the day, everyone deserves to feel valued in the places they turn to for care.