Income, age, gender key factors in accessibility: study
Statistics Canada’s 2022 Survey on Disability has formed the basis of a new study showing strong links between a person’s socio-economic status and unmet accessibility needs.
The older a person living with a disability was, and the lower their income, the greater the barriers they faced in accessing healthcare and community services, completing everyday activities and socializing, according to data collected by the federal agency.
Gender was also a common factor across unmet needs areas, with women being more likely to experience unmet needs for healthcare services, medication and help with everyday activities, while being less likely to encounter unmet needs for aids or devices.
Lower income was a predictor of unmet needs for assistive aids or devices and help with everyday activities, with a particularly strong association with unmet needs for medication.
Higher levels of education were associated with greater odds of having unmet needs for health care services and help with everyday activities, but lower odds of unmet needs for medication.
Canadians with disabilities can now apply for the Canada Disability Benefit. Those who qualify will receive up to $200 per month.
However, disability advocates say the new benefit falls far short of the amount needed to lift recipients out of poverty. It’s estimated that 1.5 million people with a disability live below the poverty line in Canada.
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