Nearly every Manitoban either has a disability, knows someone with a disability, or will have a disability in the coming years.
Persons with disabilities have long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments which, in interaction with various barriers, may hinder their participation on an equal basis with others.
A person can have a disability that is visible, non-visible, permanent or one that occurs only at certain times. You can’t always tell when someone has a disability. For a variety of reasons, an individual may not identify as having a disability, but face the very same barriers.
A disability, aging, an injury and other life events may temporarily or permanently affect:
- Mobility
- Dexterity (use of hands)
- Vision
- Hearing
- Communication
- Understanding
- Mental health