People with Disabilities

Over 3,300,000 Canadians report some level of disability that poses a unique problem to their health. What elements are needed to overcome the barriers and health problems experienced by individuals with a disability? Approaches in the disability field are moving away from a medical/treatment focus toward an approach that stresses citizen control, independent living, empowerment, social networks, social support and community inclusion.

Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada have many online resources concerning issues related to people with disabilities including:

• Accessibility/Autonomy
• Healthy Living
• Seniors
• Violence & Abuse
• Other Health Canada Activities
• Other Resources

Accessibility / Autonomy

• How can people with disabilities get the services and supports they need?
• In flight safety: frequently asked questions
• Where can I find information about specific types of disability?
• Occupational Therapy: Skills for the Job of Living

Healthy Living

• Active Living Alliance for Canadians with a Disability
• Disability WebLinks - Federal, provincial and territorial government information pertaining to people with disabilities
• But I am disabled. How can I be active?
• Healthy Living -- Mental Health

Seniors

• Seniors and Disabilities
• Guide to Government of Canada Services for Seniors

Violence and Abuse

• Family Violence against Women with Disabilities (1993)
• Family Violence and People with a Mental Handicap
• Violence and People with Disabilities: A Review of the Literature (1994)

Other Health Canada activities

Health Canada is working to improve the health of Canadians with disabilities as well as working to reduce the incidence of disability. It does so through research and public education on the prevention of disease and the prevention of injury that can lead to disability. It also funds programs and evaluates projects to improve the health care system in areas such as home care.

Health Canada also monitors health and safety risks related to the sale and use of medical devices such as hearing aids, pacemakers and powered wheelchairs, as well as drug products and marijuana for medical purposes.

Other Resources

• Buying Medical Devices over the Internet (It's Your Health)
• Canadian Health Network -- Living with Disabilities
• Guide to Government of Canada Services for People with Disabilities

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