Defining disability
The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 uses the same definition of “disability” as the Ontario Human Rights Code:
a. 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 co-ordination, 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 or device;
b. a condition of mental impairment or a developmental disability;
c. a learning disability, or a dysfunction in one or more of the processes involved in understanding or using symbols or spoken language;
d. a mental disorder; or
e. an injury or disability for which benefits were claimed or received under the insurance plan established under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997 (“handicap”).
Disability and the Ontario Human Rights Code
Persons with disabilities may face challenges because of the physical or mental limitations. But the attitudes of other people may also create barriers. Understanding this social aspect of disability is essential.
The Ontario Human Rights Code protects the rights of persons with disabilities to equal treatment in employment, housing, goods, services, facilities, contracts and membership in trades or vocational associations. The Code provides a basic definition of “handicap” to include conditions that have developed over time, those that result from an accident, or have been present from birth. It includes physical, mental, and learning disabilities and it does not matter whether the condition is visible. For example, persons with mental disorders, sensory disabilities (such as hearing or vision limitations) and epilepsy are all protected under the Code.
Protection for persons with mental disabilities deserves special attention. These persons have the same rights as persons with any other kind of disability. They may, however, have trouble expressing themselves or even identifying that they have a disability.
The Code protects people from the unequal effects of discrimination. For example, a person may not actually have a disability, but may be perceived to have one. The Code will protect a person who is the victim of discrimination because another thinks that the person has a disability.
(This information is provided as a public service by the Ontario Human Rights Commission.)
There are many kinds of disabilities, including physical, sensory, hearing, mental health, developmental and learning. Disabilities can be visible or non-visible.
Vision disabilities
Vision disabilities reduce one’s ability to see clearly. Very few people are totally blind. Some have limited vision such as tunnel vision, where a person has a loss of peripheral or side vision, or a lack of central vision, which means they cannot see straight ahead. Some can see the outline of objects while others can see the direction of light.
Impaired vision can restrict a person’s ability to read signs, locate landmarks or see hazards. In some cases, it may be difficult to tell if a person has a vision disability. Others may use a guide dog or white cane.
Here are some suggestions to help you interact with people with vision disabilities.
Hearing impairments
People who have hearing loss may be deaf or hard of hearing. Like other disabilities, hearing loss has a wide variety of degrees. People who are hearing impaired may require assistive devices when communicating. Some people may use sign language, notes or hearing aids when communicating. They may also use e-mail, pagers, TTY telephone service or Bell Canada Relay Service.
Here are some suggestions to help you interact with people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Physical disabilities
There are many types and degrees of physical disabilities, and not all require a wheelchair. For example, people who have arthritis, heart or lung conditions, or amputations may also have difficulty moving, standing or sitting. It may be difficult to identify a person with a physical disability.
Here are some suggestions to help you interact with people with physical disabilities.
Intellectual or developmental disabilities
People with intellectual or developmental disabilities may have difficulty doing many things most of us take for granted. These disabilities can mildly or profoundly limit one’s ability to learn. You may not be able to know that someone has one of these disabilities unless you are told, or you notice the way a person acts, asks questions or uses body language.
Here are some suggestions to help you interact with people with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
Learning disabilities
Learning disabilities can result in a host of different communications difficulties for people. They can be subtle, as in having difficulty reading, or more pronounced, but they can interfere with a person's ability to receive, express or process information. You may not be able to know that someone has a learning disability unless you are told, or you notice the way a person acts, asks questions or uses body language.
Here are some suggestions to help you interact with people with learning disabilities.
Mental health disabilities
People with mental health disabilities look like anyone else. You won’t know that a person has a mental health disability unless you’re informed of it.
Here are some suggestions to help you interact with people with mental health disabilities.
Speech or language impairments
Some people have problems communicating. It could be the result of cerebral palsy, hearing loss, or another condition that makes it difficult to pronounce words, causes slurring or stuttering, or not being able to express oneself or understand written or spoken language. Some people who have severe difficulties may use communication boards or other assistive devices.
Here are some suggestions to help you interact with people with speech or language impairments.
Deaf-blind disabilities
A person who is deaf-blind cannot see or hear to some extent. 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.
Here are some suggestions to help you interact with people who are deaf-blind.