​Disability is NOT a bad word

After 75 years, March of Dimes Canada continues to focus on helping break down barriers and build a more inclusive country. 

Part of that starts with knowing the facts. 

 

 

1 in 4 people in Canada
has a disability. 

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Disability is part of everyday life in Canada, shaped by the systems, spaces, and attitudes around us.​

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Disability is increasing

As Canada ages, disability will continue to affect more people.

22% in 2017 to 27% in 2022

   40% are adults
   aged 65 and older

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24% are working-age adults
aged 25 to 64

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20% are youth
aged 15 to 24 

​Disability is not the problem. Barriers are limiting people's lives.

Daily Activities

​People with disabilities experience physical, societal, and economic barriers, with 72% reporting accessibility barriers in daily activities. 

Economic Impact

People with disabilities have lower employment rates, lower income, and higher poverty rates. This has a real economic impact on people and families. 

The cost of access can be a barrier, with 53% of people with severe disabilities have unmet needs due to cost. 

Change is happening

The Accessible Canada Act (2019)

• First federal law to proactively remove accessibility barriers across regulated sectors
• Increased public and policy focus on accessiblity

Canada Disability Benefit finalized (2024/25)

• New federal income supplement for working-age persons with disabilities
  
  

More Canadians want:​

to be allies

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to support inclusive communities

the government and employers to lead

​ Our Role and Impact

March of Dimes Canada strives for an equitable and inclusive Canada, created by and in solidarity with people with disabilities as they build fulfilling lives.

Last Year's Impact:

• $154.2 million invested in programs and services
• 89.6% of total budget directed to mission programs
• 30,000+ service users supported nationwide​
  

March of Dimes Canada supports the community in many ways

We provide services that support people with disabilities in their daily lives and communities:

  ​​​Independent Living

• 5.8 million+ hours of care
• 5,500 people received new devices and modifications
  
  

  Employment and Skills

• 15,670 people accessed Skills, Development, and Employment Services
• 588 people in Ontario gained meaningful employment
  
  

  Health and Rehabilitation

• 4,550 people received After Stroke services
• 641 people supported through Brain Injury Services across six provinces

Join the movement!    

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Together, we can build a barrier-free Canada for all.

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