Information on Disability

Disabilities are frequently misunderstood, leading to negative stereotypes, discrimination and unintentional barriers in our communities and workplaces.

The definitions provided here will help to familiarize you with some of the most common types of disabilities.

Disability as Defined in the Ontario Human Rights Code Ontario Human Rights Code provides a legal definition of disability that is very detailed and comprehensive1: ‘Disability’ means, (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 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’)

Communication disability

Hearing disability

Intellectual/Developmental disability

Learning disability

Mental health disability

Physical /Mobility disability

Vision disability

References 1. Ontario Human Rights Code. R.S.O. 1990, c H.19, Amended 2009. 2. Health Canada. A Report on Mental Illnesses in Canada. Ottawa, Canada 2002. 3. Human Resources and Skills Development Canada. 2009 Federal Disability Report: Advancing the Inclusion of People with Disabilities. 2009.