Many Canadians with Disabilities Face Barriers to Communication and Internet Access

New data from Statistics Canada shows that nearly half of Canadians with disabilities have trouble communicating in daily life. Whether talking to family, getting help from a doctor, or using the internet, many people with disabilities face challenges that make life more difficult. While these statistics are not specific to AEBC members, they are relatable.

Simple communication is not so simple

People with disabilities often run into problems when talking to others. The numbers show:

Almost 1 in 3 had trouble communicating with family or close friends.
27% had problems communicating with doctors or health care workers.
26% struggled when interacting with customer service staff, government workers, or the public.

This shows that many people still face barriers in everyday situations, making it harder to get help, make connections, or speak up for themselves.

Internet Barriers Make Life Harder

The internet is a big part of daily life, but it isn’t always easy to use for people with disabilities. The data shows:

13% had trouble accessing government websites for services and information.
11% struggled to book appointments or reservations online.
9% had problems using online banking or shopping.

The internet has been a great tool for our members but, poorly designed websites mean that many people with disabilities are left out of important services or have to work much harder to do everyday tasks.

Technology Can Be Difficult to Use

Many people with disabilities also have trouble using devices like smartphones, tablets, and computers. Some common issues include:

12% had difficulty installing or using apps.
11% found touchscreens hard to use.
10% struggled with buttons, dials, or other controls.

This shows the need for better-designed technology that works for everyone.

Online Communication is Not Always Accessible

A quarter of people with disabilities had trouble communicating online. The biggest problems were:

Not being able to change settings to fit their needs.
Trouble getting help when they needed it.
Time limits that made it hard to complete tasks.

These barriers can make it frustrating or even impossible for some people to use online services.

Barriers Get Worse for Those with More Severe Disabilities

The data also shows that people with more severe disabilities face even bigger challenges:

65% of people with very severe disabilities had communication barriers, compared to only 33% of those with mild disabilities.
64% of people with multiple disabilities had trouble communicating, compared to 32% with only one disability.

This highlights the need for more support, better accessibility, and stronger advocacy.

What’s Next?

AEBC will be doing more research on these numbers and using them in our advocacy and communication work. We will push for changes that make communication, technology, and the internet more accessible for blind, Deafblind, and partially sighted people across Canada.

Stay tuned for updates as we dig deeper into these statistics and take action to make a difference!