Go to next section
Quick Reference Guide to Accessible Campaign Information and Communication
Understanding Disability
Disabilities can take many forms. They may be permanent or temporary; developmental or physical; severe or mild; for the young or the old; or any combination of disabilities. A person can be born with a disability or someone could become injured resulting in a temporary or permanent disability. Some disabilities are visible and many are non-visible. Since you never know who may want to interact with you during the election process, it is important that you plan to include all people.
Physical Disabilities There are many types and degrees of physical disabilities, and while people who use mobility aids like wheelchairs, scooters, crutches or canes are most recognizable, it is important to consider that not all people with physical disabilities require a mobility device. People who have arthritis, heart or lung conditions or amputations may also have difficulty with stamina, moving, standing, sitting or the ability to reach or grasp. It may be difficult to identify a person with a physical disability.
Vision Loss There are varying degrees of vision loss and a distinction between blindness and low vision. In some cases, it may be difficult to tell if a person has a vision loss. The majority of people living with a vision disability have some vision. Some people are totally blind. Vision disabilities can reduce one’s ability to see clearly or can affect the range of visual field. Some people can distinguish between light and dark, or between contrasting colours, or read large print, but have difficulty with small print or low-light situations. Others may have a loss of peripheral or side vision, or a lack of central vision, which impacts a person’s ability to distinguish details, like recognizing faces or reading. Vision disabilities can restrict a person’s ability to read print and signs, locate landmarks or see hazards. They may use a white can or service animal to help with orientation and movement in an environment.
Deafness and Hearing Loss Hearing loss ranges from mild to profound. The distinctions between the terms “deaf”, “Deaf”, “deafened”, and “hard of hearing” are based principally on the individual’s preferred language (spoken or signed) rather than on the actual degree of hearing loss. Deaf, deafened and hard of hearing individuals may use hearings aids, cochlear implants, and/or other assistive-listening and communication devices.
Deaf-Blindness A person who is deaf-blind has some degree of both vision and hearing loss. This results in greater difficulties in accessing information and managing daily activities. Most people who are deaf-blind will be accompanied by an intervenor, a professional who helps with communicating. An intervenor is trained in many adaptive communication methods, depending upon the preferences of the person who is deaf-blind. The intervenor may guide and interpret for their client.
Speech Disabilities People with speech disabilities may have problems communicating. For many reasons, people may have difficulty speaking clearly – for example, as a result of a stroke or cerebral palsy – which may result in difficulties with verbal communication. Some people may use communication boards or other assistive devices to help communicate. A speech disability often has no impact on a person’s ability to understand.
Cognitive Disabilities Cognitive disabilities may affect understanding, communication, or behavior and can be attributed to brain injuries, developmental or learning disabilities. It is not always easy to identify someone who has a cognitive disability. Some conditions, such as Down’s syndrome exhibit physical characteristics, but there are others that are not so apparent. People with a cognitive disability may have difficulties recognizing, understanding and remembering information.
Mental Illness Mental illness is a disturbance in thoughts and emotions that may decrease a person’s capacity to cope with the challenges of everyday life. Mental illness can take many forms, just as physical illness does. Mental illnesses include schizophrenia, mood disorders (such as depression and bipolar disorder), anxiety disorders, personality disorders, and eating disorders.