The AODA: Key ConceptsWhat does “disability” mean?
As we mentioned earlier, the AODA uses the Ontario Human Rights Code definition of disability. It includes disabilities of different severity, visible as well as non-visible disabilities and disabilities of which the effects may come and go. It also includes sensory disabilities (e.g., hearing and vision), learning disabilities and physical disabilities.
Note that the Code has always included learning disabilities explicitly, in distinction from some other provincial human rights codes. This has afforded many Ontario students with learning disabilities the rightful access to higher education.
The Code defines disability as:
any degree of physical disability, infirmity, malformation or disfigurement that is caused by bodily injury, birth defect or illness and includes diabetes mellitus, epilepsy, a brain injury, any degree of paralysis, amputation, lack of physical coordination, 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,
a condition of mental impairment or a development disability,
a learning disability, or dysfunction in one or more of the processes involved in understanding or using symbols or spoken language,
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.
Did You Know?
Understanding something about disabilities is helpful in learning about accessibility.
It is important to note, however, that accessibility focuses not on the person and his or her disability but on recognizing and removing barriers.
It is about looking at the “environment” — buildings, activities, services and practices — and making changes so that persons with disabilities can participate more fully.
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