The Number of Canadians with Disabilities Continues to Increase – What Does This Mean?

December 06, 2022, Kitchener, Ontario

Posted by: Robert Deutschmann, Personal Injury Lawyer

In 2017 the Canadian Survey of Disability was released by Statistics Canada. There were 6.2 million Canadians with disabilities at that time.

The study found that over half of Canadians with a mobility disability required workplace accommodation. One quarter of those with a disability said they faced a disadvantage in employment because of their disability.

In 2019 Canada passed the Accessible Canada Act which increased focus on removing barriers and improving access for those with disabilities. The COVID pandemic went on to underscore these access barriers even more. Many individuals suffered from lack of public washrooms of any kind in parks and downtowns, to lack of ability to leave their homes without accessible transport. These findings have resulted in millions of dollars in funding for private and public business and organizations to make their spaces accessible.

Who Makes up the Mobility Population?

Statistics Canada reports that

• 2.7 million people in Canada (almost 10%) of the population over 15 are mobility disabled making t one of the most common disabilities.
• Women are almost 50% more likely than men to have a mobility disability
• Over half of employed Canadians with mobility disabilities required workplace accommodation
• The most common assistive devices used in day to day life were bathroom aids (grab bars), canes, walking sticks, crutches, and walking bath or shower.
• Lack of accessible transport is an issue for 20% of housebound Canadians with a disability
• Many individuals with mobility disabilities have unmet medical needs. These include complex medical conditions that require physiotherapy, massage therapy, or chiropractic. 72% Of mobility disabled individuals lack the ability to access these and other services.

How are people injured?

Traumatic injuries like those sustained in car accidents, workplace accidents, slip and fall and other accidents account for many mobility related disability cases, if not immediately then later as a result of arthritic deterioration of damaged joints.

What should you do if you suffer a serious injury that limits your mobility?

The personal cost of treatments and mobility aids can be a burden, particularly for those who do not have private insurance coverage through a family member or their own job. This highlights the importance of hiring an experienced personal injury lawyer if you or a loved one is seriously injured in an accident. At Deutschmann Law we have the experience to help you secure your future.

Call us today at 519.742.7774 and speak with one of our personal injury lawyers. Remember that the initial consultation is always free. If you prefer to contact us online click here.

About Deutschmann Law

Deutschmann Law serves South-Western Ontario with offices in Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, Woodstock, Brantford, Stratford and Ayr. The law practice of Robert Deutschmann focuses almost exclusively in personal injury and disability insurance matters. For more information, please visit www.deutschmannlaw.com or call us at 1-519-742-7774.

It is important that you review your accident benefit file with one of our experienced personal injury / car accident lawyers to ensure that you obtain access to all your benefits which include, but are limited to, things like physiotherapy, income replacement benefits, vocational retraining and home modifications.