Canada's historical treatment of individuals with disabilities has regrettably been one of exclusion and marginalization. Those with disabilities have encountered denied opportunities, social isolation, and pervasive stereotypes, as they contend with a discriminatory mindset that perceives disability as abnormal rather than celebrating the diversity of human abilities (HRTO, 2016). Shockingly, one in five Canadians reports having at least one disability, underscoring the urgent need for change (Statistics Canada, 2022).
The Accessible Canada Act (2019) broadly defines disability to encompass physical, mental, intellectual, cognitive, learning, communication, or sensory impairments. These may be permanent, temporary, or episodic, whether evident or not (Government of Canada, 2019). To foster a person's complete and equitable participation in society, Canada introduced its first Disability Inclusion Action Plan in 2022. The Plan identifies financial security, employment, accessible and inclusive communities, and an updated approach to disability as the key pillars.
Disability and Health
A comprehensive synthesis of 182 articles by Greaux et al. (2022) sheds light on health inequities for persons with disabilities, including increased mortality, morbidity, and limitations in functioning. These disparities are not solely due to health conditions but are rooted in societal and health system factors. The evidence underscores the failure of interventions to meet the actual needs of this population, persistent barriers, and unsustainable efforts. Aligned with the research on the influence of social determinants of health, older individuals with disabilities and ethnic minorities encounter elevated risks of discrimination, underscoring the need for healthcare interventions that are more focused, inclusive, and responsive.
Wakeham et al. (2017) exemplify in practical terms how organizations providing guidance on caring for individuals with disabilities draw. The article draws attention to vulnerable individuals being overlooked by the healthcare system. Physical, communication, and attitudinal barriers contribute to their stress, with pharmacists unknowingly exacerbating these challenges. To enhance patient-centered care for individuals with disabilities, pharmacists should consider both physical and non-physical barriers, engaging in education, advocacy, and communications training.
Despite the modest improvements in healthcare access, substantial barriers persist, hindering this vulnerable population from achieving the highest attainable standard of health. Canada must accelerate the implementation of action-oriented strategies to dismantle barriers, promote inclusion, and advocate for policies that prioritize the diverse needs of people with disabilities. This is essential for realizing an equitable and inclusive society where everyone can contribute meaningfully, regardless of their abilities
Below are the references curated to support the above post.
References
Accessible Canada Act. 2019. (2019, June 21). Accessible Act Canada 2019 S.C. 2019, c.10). Justice Law Website. https://laws.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/A-0.6/page-1.html
Canadian Human Rights Commission. (2023, May 24). Monitoring the Rights of People with Disabilities. https://www.chrc-ccdp.gc.ca/en/monitoring-the-rights-of-people-with-disabilities
Government of Canada. (2022, December 6). Canada’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2022. https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/programs/disability-inclusion-action-plan/action-plan-2022.html
Government of Canada. (2022, November 11). Infographic: Canada’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2022. https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/programs/disability-inclusion-action-plan/infographic.html
Greaux, M., Moro, M.F., Kamenov, K. et al. (2023). Health equity for persons with disabilities: a global scoping review on barriers and interventions in healthcare services. International Journal for Equity in Health, 22, 11-16. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12939-023-02035-w
Ontario Human Rights Commission. (2016, June 27). Policy on ableism and discrimination based on disability. https://www.ohrc.on.ca/en/policy-ableism-and-discrimination-based-disability
Statistics Canada. (2022, December 2). Measuring Disability in Canada. https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/11-627-m/11-627-m2022062-eng.htm
Wakeham S., Heung S., Lee J., Sadowski C. (2017). Beyond equality: Providing equitable care for persons with disabilities. Canadian Pharmacists Journal, 150(4), 251-258. https://doi.org/10.1177/1715163517710957
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