Despite the near-universal use of information and communication technology (ICT) among Canadians with disabilities, accessibility remains a significant challenge.
The survey found that nearly half (45%) of respondents with disabilities or long-term conditions encountered barriers in their online activities in 2024. The issue was even more pronounced for those with severe difficulties in daily activities, with 74% reporting obstacles when using at least one form of ICT.
The study highlights a range of accessibility barriers, from the lack of text alternatives for online content to difficulties adjusting text size, font, and colour settings. Some reported struggling with devices that lack speech input features or found poor internet connectivity hampered access to adaptive technologies. Others cited difficulties using remote controls or self-serve kiosks due to physical limitations.
These challenges persist despite ICT playing a crucial role in modern life, enabling access to social interaction, healthcare, education, and employment. The Accessible Canada Act identifies ICT as one of seven priority areas for creating a barrier-free society, yet many Canadians with disabilities continue to struggle with digital inclusion.
The survey also examined technology use by age group, revealing generational differences in adoption. Mobile phones were the most widely used device, with 82% of persons with disabilities or long-term conditions relying on them, followed by the internet (80%) and tablets, laptops, or desktops (77%).
Older adults, however, showed a preference for traditional television over newer digital technologies. Those aged 55 and older with disabilities were less likely to use mobile phones, tablets, or laptops compared to their younger counterparts aged 18 to 54. This generational gap underscores the need for tailored accessibility solutions that consider the diverse ways different age groups engage with technology.
The study found a strong correlation between the severity of disability and the likelihood of facing technological barriers. Among individuals who reported significant difficulties in daily activities, nearly two-thirds (63%) encountered barriers in online activities, compared to just 36% of those with fewer daily challenges.
For self-serve technologies like automated teller machines (ATMs) and self-checkout kiosks, the disparity was even greater—48% of individuals with severe difficulties faced barriers compared to 24% of those with fewer challenges. The trend was similar for tablet and laptop use, where accessibility issues affected 44% of those with significant difficulties versus 21% of those with fewer limitations.
Age played a role in accessibility as well. Among those with severe daily challenges, younger individuals (aged 18 to 54) were less likely to face barriers with self-serve technologies (15%) than older adults (38%). However, older individuals were more likely to experience difficulties with traditional television, highlighting different accessibility concerns across demographics.
The findings reinforce the need to make digital spaces more accessible. As technology becomes increasingly integral to everyday life, ensuring inclusive design will be critical to improve accessibility for Canadians with disabilities.