Disability by the numbers

Based on findings from the Canadian Survey on Disabilities

Our goal is to make New Brunswick more accessible by identifying, removing and preventing barriers so all people can participate fully.

The Canadian Survey on Disability and the Accessibility Act define disability according to a social model.

Condition or impairment combined with Barriers results in Disability

Condition/impairment:
A condition or impairment is any physical, mental, intellectual, cognitive, learning, communication, sensory impairment or functional limitation. It can be permanent, episodic or temporary in nature. Visible or invisible.

Barriers:
A barrier is anything that makes it harder for someone to fully take part, including physical, architectural, informational, communication, attitudinal, technological, and policy-related barriers.

Disability:
A disability is any condition that, when combined with barriers, makes it harder for someone to fully take part in society. 

Findings from the Canadian Survey on Disabilities

By Age Group:

• 15 to 24 years old: 27%
• 25 to 64 years old: 33%
• 65+ years old: 46%

Disability rates are increasing:

• In 2017, 26.7% persons reported a disability in New Brunswick, and 22.3% persons reported a disability in Canada.
• In 2022, 35.3% persons reported a disability in New Brunswick, and 27% persons reported a disability in Canada.
• In 2022, over a third of New Brunswickers over the age of 15 reported a disability.

Barrier-related:

• 7 out of 10 persons with a disability reported encountering at least one type of barrier in the last year.
• 157, 200 New Brunswickers aged 15+ reported facing barriers to accessibility

1. Behaviours, Misconceptions or Assumptions
2. Inside or Outside Public Spaces
3. Internet
4. Communicating