Statistics Canada (StatsCan) recently released new information about disabilities in Canada. The information comes from the 2012 Canadian Survey on Disability (CSD). The survey found that:
- More than 13 per cent of Canadians aged 15 and older report daily activity limitations due to a disability
- Mental/psychological disability was the fourth most commonly reported disability for Canadians overall, but the most commonly reported disability for youth aged 15 to 24
- The prevalence of disability increases with age
- Women have a higher prevalence of disability at any age than do men
- Over one quarter of people with disabilities have a very severe disability
This is the first time that the CSD was conducted. This survey evolved from the Participation and Activity Limitation Survey, last conducted in 2006 by StatsCan. Data is expected to be used by disability and social policy analysts within government, research institutions and associations for people with disabilities. Data from the CSD is used to fulfill Canada’s obligations related to the ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
For more information and to read detailed findings, please visit the StatsCan website.