1. Issues in Human Services
(HMNS 10085)
Module 7: Issues Pertaining to People
With Disabilities

2. Defining Disability
• “Persons with disabilities include those who
have long-term physical, mental, intellectual
or sensory impairments which in interaction
with various barriers may hinder their full and
effective participation in society on an equal
basis with others.”

3. Definition in Accessibility for Ontarians
with Disabilities Act (AODA):
• “any degree of physical disability, infirmity, malformation, or
disfigurement that is caused by bodily injury, birth defect, or illness and,
without limiting the generality of the foregoing, includes diabetes
mellitus, epilepsy, a brain injury, any degree of paralysis, amputation,
lack of physical coordination, blindness, or visual impediment, deafness
or hearing impediment, muteness or speech impediment, or physical
reliance on a guide dog or other animal or on a wheelchair or other
remedial appliance of device;
• a condition of mental impairment or a developmental disability;
• a learning disability, or a dysfunction in one or more of the processes
involved in understanding or using symbols or spoken language;
• a mental disorder; or
• an injury or disability for which benefits were claimed or received under
the insurance plan established under the Workplace Safety and
Insurance Act, 1997.

4. Defining Barriers:
• Anything that would prevent a person with a
disability from participating fully in all aspects
of society because of his or her disability.
• Types:
– Physical/architectural
– Informational or communication
– Attitudinal
– Technological
– Systemic (policy or practice)

5. Result of Barriers
• Discrimination: “…any distinction, exclusion or
restriction on the basis of disability, which has the
purpose or effect of impairing or nullifying the
recognition, enjoyment or exercise, on an equal
basis with others, of all human rights and
fundamental freedoms in the political, economic,
social, cultural, civil, or any other field. …in
includes denial of reasonable accommodation.”
• Social exclusion – limited opportunities to
participate in the social, economic and cultural
activities of society
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6. Ableism
• The result of a belief in the inherent
superiority of people without disabilities over
people who have disabilities.
• 2 models of disability:
– Medical model
– Social oppression model

7. Some Historical Influences
• Damaging policies have cast people with
disabilities as;
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–
–
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An eternal child
Deviant
Objects of ridicule
Devalued – not valued by society as those who don’t
have disabilities.
• Policies of segregation
• Focus on diagnosis and labels
• Lowered expectations of learning

8. Legislative & Policy Frameworks
• Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act,
2005 (AODA)
– Accessibility standards to promote barrier free
province
– Implemented and enforced – 2025
• Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, 1981;
Canadian Human Rights Code
– Also, the Human Rights Codes of the provinces
– court challenges
• UN Convention on the Rights of Persons With
Disabilities

9. Nature of Disabilities in Canada
• 16.6% of Canadians ages 15 yrs + have a
disability
• 15.5% of Ontario residents 15 yrs+ have a
disability
• 18.4% of people report having 1 disability
• 27.9% report have 3+ disabilities

10. Nature of Disabilities
• Disability related to pain- 11.7%
– 27.9% have cyclical/recurring pain
– 72.1% have constant pain
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•
•
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Disability related to mobility – 11.5%
Disability related to agility – 11.1%
Disability related to hearing – 5%
Disability related to sight – 1.9%
Developmental disability - .5%
Disability related to psychological/emotional
problems

11. Nature of Disabilities
•
•
•
•
Very severe limitations – 13.5%
Severe limitations – 24.8%
Mild limitations – 35.4%
Affects women more than men

12. Impact of Barriers
• Poverty: related to workforce participation
– 48% of people with disabilities are not in the
labour force
• Labour force participation rate depends on
the severity, duration & type of disability
• Severe or very severe activity limitations –
38.6% participation rate
• Moderate activity limitation – 56.6%
participation rate

13. Impact of Barriers
• Poverty: Related to income:
• People with disabilities, when working, earn
only ~86% of the incomes people without
disabilities earn
• Men with long term disabilities – 8 X more at
risk for low income
• Women with log-term disabilities – 4 X more
at risk

14. Impact of Barriers
• Workplace barriers:
• Need for workplace accommodations:
– Job modifications – personal help
• job redesign – eg. Hours of work
– Workplace modifications – changes to
environment
• Ramps
• Parking spots

15. Persistence of Workplace Barriers
• Discrimination – 5 X more likely to report experiencing
discrimination
• People who plan physical workspaces don’t take the time to
consider all the possible needs in order to consider how to include
everyone in the workplace.
• Lack of will of individual employers
• Costs- seen as more costly to support varying needs
• Not seen as the responsibility of an individual employer
• Lack of awareness of barriers created by a workplace
• Lack of consultation with those experiencing disabilities
• Harassment may discourage people from seeking to ensure their
legal, human rights are upheld
• Employers may be more vigilant for “proof” that the employee with
a disability cannot do the job.

16. Impact of Barriers
• Poverty: Related to disability income:
1. Canada Pension Plan Disability (CPPD)
– Severe and prolonged
– Labour force income for 4 of last 6 years
– Under 65 years
– Contributing to Canada Pension Plan
– $775 per month
– 50% below the poverty line (LICO)
– No drug benefit plan

17. Impact of Barriers:
• Poverty: Related to disability income
2. Ontario Disability Support Plan
–
2 components: Income assistance – basic needs
& shelter
Employment supports – prepare for
work or start a business
– Drug benefits, eyeglasses, dental care, some assistive
devices
3. Other programs – Employment Insurance (temporary),
Worker’s Safety & Insurance Board, Ontario Works (while
waiting for ODSP, or if temporary disability)

18. Impact of Barriers
• Additional Economic Disadvantage: Costs:
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Necessity for equipment
Only 62.3% of people had the equipment they needed
28.9% used some equipment but needed more
9.9% had none of the equipment they required
41.3% of severely disabled had equipment they
needed
– 70% of people with communication disabilities did not
have the equipment they needed
– Costs – purchase and maintenance of equipment

19. Impact of Barriers
• Diminished opportunities for friendship &
intimate relationships
– Symptoms
• Fatigue
• Mobility difficulties
– Social skill impairment
– Social service structure

20. Impact of Barriers
• Unequal opportunities for recreation
• Women with disabilities more likely to be
abused than other women
– Greater than 50% for some women
• Lower self-esteem
> Denial of basic human rights

21. Special issues for People With
Intellectual Disabilities:
• Independent living – in their community
– Variety of residential options
• Individualization – services based on
individual strengths, needs and wishes
• Abuse – almost 11 X more likely to be sexually
assaulted

22. Special Issues for People with
Autism Spectrum Disorders:
• Challenges unique to the disorder:
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Experiencing difficulty to articulate thoughts
Managing with change
Managing anxiety
Being able to participate in group activities
Tendency to fixate on a topic of interest
• Services for adults are grouped in services for
people with Intellectual Disabilities
• Planning for adulthood
• Need for specialized mental health services

23. Reading:
• Hutchison, P. & McGill, J. (1996). Leisure,
Integration and Community. Toronto:
Leisurability Publications, Inc. Ch. 2.