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Support for disabled people

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In 2001, about 3.4 million Canadians aged 15 and over—about 15% of the adult population—had a disability. The level of severity ranged from mild to very severe.

About 1.6 million of these adults needed assistive aids and devices; 2.2 million received or needed help with certain everyday activities; 483,000 needed special features in their dwellings; and 705,000 claimed a Medical Expense Tax Credit on their 2000 tax return.

Most people with disabilities said that they had obtained all the support measures they needed. However, 39% of those who needed assistive aids and devices had unmet needs. In addition, about 35% of those who required help with everyday activities and 37% of those who needed modifications to their homes had unmet needs. Seniors were more likely than younger people to have all the support they need.

Many adults with disabilities experience difficulties travelling, but few are prevented from doing so. Among those who used public transportation in 2001, 17% reported some difficulty. Among those able to travel locally by car, 19% had difficulties. For those who had travelled long distance by plane, train or bus, 20% experienced some difficulties.

Of 155,000 schoolchildren with disabilities, 94,000 needed specialized aids according to their parents. About 37% did not have all the equipment they needed, while 15% had no equipment at all.

The parents of about 52,000 children with disabilities needed help to get their work done or to find free time for personal activities. About one in three parents received all the assistance they needed in 2001.

Financial concerns were the main reason why needs were not met, and people with the most severe disabilities were the most affected.