In Canada, disability is defined as a condition, whether physical, mental, or developmental, that limits a person’s ability to perform certain activities or participate fully in society.
Tips & Links
In BC, a health condition or diagnosis is considered a disability when it significantly limits a person’s ability to perform major life activities over a long-term or permanent basis.
Learn More
- A health condition is recognized as a disability when it significantly impairs a person’s ability to perform major life activities, such as working, walking, or caring for oneself, and meets the criteria outlined in relevant laws, such as the Canadian Human Rights Act.
- The definition and determination of a disability depend on both legal and medical criteria.
- The Code recognizes any condition that limits a person’s physical, mental, or sensory abilities as a disability. This can include conditions like chronic illness, mental health disorders, and mobility impairments.
- The impairment must be long-term or permanent, or it may have a long-term impact, even if it’s not immediately apparent or constant.
- The condition must significantly affect a person’s ability to perform major life activities, such as work, education, daily self-care, and social activities.
- Be aware that short-term or temporary conditions that improve over time may not meet the criteria of a disability unless they result in long-term functional impairment.
- “To qualify for disability assistance through the BC Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction, a person must have a health condition that prevents them from working and is expected to last for at least one year or result in death. The condition must substantially limit their ability to perform basic activities of daily living. A medical professional must provide a confirmation of the condition, which includes a diagnosis and expected prognosis, and verify how the condition impacts the individual’s functional abilities” as stated by the BC Assistance Program.
- Know that a disability is not a diagnosis. It is the functional impact of a condition on an individual’s ability to participate in everyday activities.
Things You Can Do
- Explore your feelings about being designated as having a disability, as the term “disability” can sometimes be viewed negatively and may lead to discrimination.
- Understand that by receiving the designation you may be eligible for benefits, programs and services that can enhance the quality of your life.
- Find out if your health condition qualifies for disability designation. This involves both understanding your health and going through a formal process. Assessment and confirmation by your physician or nurse practitioner is required. This needs to include a confirmed diagnosis, a letter outlining your conditions impact on your daily life, and written support in applications for disability funding.
- Depending on severity, qualifying conditions may include multiple sclerosis, arthritis, fibromyalgia, diabetes, epilepsy, mental health disorders, cerebral palsy, COPD, chronic pain, HIV/AIDS, severe mobility or visual impairments, and others.
- Learn how to apply for disability benefits that may include monthly financial support, transportation, and access to disability health benefits. Learn more through Disability Alliance BC.
- Learn about speciality funding and programs for people with disabilities in BC including specialized Pharmacare funding, home and community care, mental health services and more from the Government of BC.
- Consider connecting with support groups or people with similar conditions and/or disabilities to learn about their experiences with assessments, designation, and accessing services and programs.
- Explore options for home care, supportive housing, and living independently with a disability such as the Choice in Support for Independent Living (CSIL) program in BC.
- Connect with community and government resources for persons with disabilities at BC211.
- Explore the Disability-Benefits-Compass tool to help navigate principal disability benefits.