Chapter 2 – Accessibility (04/2023)

2.1 Legislation related to accessibility

• The Canadian Human Rights Act prohibits treating an individual differently based on a prohibited ground of discrimination in providing a service or in employment, including refusing to hire them or terminating their employment because of a prohibited ground.
• The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedom:
  
  "Every individual is equal before and under the law and has the right to the equal protection and equal benefit of the law without discrimination and, in particular, without discrimination based on race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, sex, age or mental or physical disability."

• The Accessible Canada Act:

  "5 The purpose of this Act is to benefit all persons, especially persons with disabilities, through the realization, within the purview of matters coming within the legislative authority of Parliament, of a Canada without barriers, on or before January 1, 2040, particularly by the identification and removal of barriers, and the prevention of new barriers, in the following areas:
  1. employment;
  2. the built environment;
  3. information and communication technologies;

     (c.1) communication, other than information and communication technologies;

  4. the procurement of goods, services and facilities;
  5. the design and delivery of programs and services […]
  6 This Act is to be carried out in recognition of, and in accordance with, the following principles:
  1. all persons must be treated with dignity regardless of their disabilities;
  2. all persons must have the same opportunity to make for themselves the lives that they are able and wish to have regardless of their disabilities;
  3. all persons must have barrier-free access to full and equal participation in society, regardless of their disabilities;
  4. all persons must have meaningful options and be free to make their own choices, with support if they desire, regardless of their disabilities;
  5. laws, policies, programs, services and structures must take into account the disabilities of persons, the different ways that persons interact with their environments and the multiple and intersecting forms of marginalization and discrimination faced by persons; […]"

2.2 James Peter Hughes v. Elections Canada – a case study

Mr. James Hughes uses a wheelchair or walker. He voted in downtown Toronto, near St. Basil's Church, the polling location used in the 2008 by-election and the 2008 general election.

On both occasions, he found the accessible entrance to the building to be locked. He used another non-accessible entrance with great difficulty, descending stairs "on the seat of his pants". Once in the polling station, he discovered that the placement of the voting tables was too close together and that his path was blocked. While he was assisted in leaving the polling station, he was forced to climb a steep ramp and exit through heavy doors without an automatic door opener. For the general election, the path outside the door was covered in snow and only partially cleared.

Mr. Hughes complained to Elections Canada after his first voting experience at the 2008 by-election, but the issues were not resolved for the general election. Elections Canada was not responsive. Mr. Hughes made a complaint to the Canadian Human Rights Commission.

The Canadian Human Rights Tribunal heard Mr. Hughes' complaint and found that Elections Canada had failed both to provide barrier-free access to voting for Mr. Hughes, and to adequately investigate and resolve his complaints. In summary, the Tribunal ordered that Mr. Hughes receive compensation and that Elections Canada take a number of steps to remedy the systemic problems underlying the complaint. Those steps included extensive consultation with the disability community, improved policies and communication, signage, training and a dedicated accessibility complaint process.

The full text of the Tribunal's Reasons for Decision is available here: http://canlii.ca/t/28c82. You are encouraged to read them in full.

2.2.1 Case study questions

In compliance to the above summary from the decision by the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal, EC has several established procedures to ensure polling places are accessible for all electors.

Following the reading of the summary, take a moment to reflect on the following questions:

• What would you have done had you been Mr. Hughes?
• How would you have reacted had you been the election officer providing assistance?
• How could the situation have been handled differently? What steps could have been taken to address the obstacles to accessibility?
• Given the new accessibility procedures that EC has put in place, how would this incident be resolved differently if it were to happen during the next general election?

2.3 Accessibility at electoral facilities

As stated in the Policy on Selecting Suitable Polling Places, a polling place is considered accessible when it meets all Fifteen mandatory accessibility criteria. Locations may be temporarily modified in order to meet these mandatory criteria.

"Accessibility" means that the electoral system must be open and barrier-free to all Canadians, and that all efforts must be made to remove:

• Attitudinal barriers that occur between people (i.e. assuming that a person with a speech impediment has an intellectual disability)
• Intellectual barriers (i.e. not recognizing that disabilities are not easily discernible; this means that some electors will have difficulty understanding some information)
• Physical barriers (i.e. features of buildings or spaces that cause problems for people with physical disabilities)

You are responsible for ensuring accessibility in all facilities used during the election. Every effort should be made to assign polling divisions to accessible polling places.

To assist in evaluating the suitability of polling places, consult the Polling Place Suitability Checklist (EC 12152).

In order to implement the order in the Hughes case, EC has established 15 mandatory criteria to determine the accessibility polling locations (Table 2).

2.3.1 Changes to the Polling Place Suitability Checklist

During pre-event activities, all polling places used during the 43rd GE, along with another 10% to use as alternates, will be visited and evaluated using the Polling Place Suitability Checklist (EC 12152).

Formerly known as the Accessibility Checklist, it has been redesigned to include new accessibility criteria, as well as technological and security requirements (for EDs participating in the PPPE and ESP initiatives). The new requirements include:

• Cellular phone reception
• Security of voting/office room and equipment
• Access to functioning electrical outlets
• Site proximity to public transportation
• Door thresholds to measure 0.64 cm (1/4 inch) or less
• Elector capacity of a polling place
• Building exterior sketch and voting room/ESP office floor plan

2.3.2 Mandatory accessibility criteria

Before signing a lease, you must ensure that the location meets all the following 15 mandatory accessibility criteria. The non-mandatory accessibility criteria are listed in the Polling Place Suitability Checklist (EC 12152).

Table 2 Fifteen Mandatory Accessibility Criteria

Number	Criteria
1	Surface of the pathway is firm and obstacle free.
2	Pathway is at least 920 mm wide (36 inches). Be sure to take a measurement at the narrowest part of the pathway.
3	Building provides a level access to the entrance (no steps).
4	The building has exterior lighting.
5	The building exterior is free of protruding objects.
6	Exterior door has a clear opening width of 810 mm (32 inches). Measure the width of the door.
7	Exterior door threshold meets maximum standard of 6 mm (¼ inch).
8	Weight of the entrance door allows it to be easily opened.
9	Building interior door has a clear opening width of 810 mm (32 inches). Measure the width of the door.
10	Weight of interior doors allows them to be easily opened.
11	Interior door threshold meets maximum standard of 6 mm (¼ inch).
12	Corridors have a minimum width of 920 mm (36 inches). Measure the width of the corridor.
13	Interior of the building is free of any protruding objects.
14	Voting room is on the same level as the entrance.
15	Interior lighting works.

2.4 Communicating accessibility information to electors

Ensuring the accuracy of the information in iSITES is critical to the integrity of delivering accessibility information to electors about their polling place. During the election, the information from the 15 mandatory accessibility criteria on the Polling Place Suitability Checklist (EC 12152) for each polling place will be displayed on the EC website under the Voter Information Service tab. As well, the Suitability Checklist is read by REVISE to populate the accessibility statement on the Voter Information Card (VIC). Use the reports in iSITES to help identify polling places with incomplete accessibility information.

The chart below shows which symbols are displayed to convey a polling place's accessibility status.

Text version of "Figure 1 Polling Place Accessibility Status Symbols"

This figure shows the three accessibility statuses: Accessible (meets all 15 mandatory criteria), illustrated by an icon depicting a wheelchair with a Plus symbol; Level Access (fails to meet a mandatory criteria, but has level access), illustrated by an icon depicting a wheelchair; and Inaccessible (does not have level access), illustrated by a wheelchair with an X across it. These icons are also used in iSITES, in ROPS/SITES, and on the VIC/VIS. On the VIC, however, there is added text which reads: "This site has no wheelchair access." On the VIS, the text reads: "See the details now to ensure this site meets your needs or contact your returning officer to discuss your options."

2.5 Accessibility mitigations

When looking for new polling places, you must remember to select those that are already fully accessible for people with physical disabilities or that can be temporarily modified in order to meet EC's accessibility criteria.

The following are some accessibility mitigation strategies:

1. Some polling places need very few yet indispensable modifications, such as floor mats, wedges, etc. During site visits, take note of these modifications as you may need to purchase general items for mitigation using your EC acquisition card. For further information on using your acquisition card, refer to the section on the Elections Canada acquisition card.
2. Some polling places may not be equipped with automatic door opening devices. As it is not feasible for EC to install such devices, take note of sites that may require additional information officers to assist electors. Their sole purpose would be to guide electors requesting assistance to open the main door of the polling place and all doors on the access path to the voting room. These information officers are to remain at their position for the entire polling day (or whichever shift you may establish).
3. While parking is not a mandatory accessibility criterion, it is preferable that the polling place provide parking if available. At least one parking space must be reserved for electors with a functional limitation. If there is no parking space reserved for electors with a disability, identify a few spaces using the international accessibility signs provided (EC 50167).
4. It may be necessary to temporarily modify a building to make it accessible, for example, building or renting temporary ramps to provide safe access to polling places where there is no ramp or where existing ramps do not meet the accessibility criteria. In this case, submit a Special Request Form for additional budget to ECHQ (coming in EC Connex).

In cases where accessibility issues cannot be mitigated, CEO approval is needed to use a location that does not have level access or that has level access but fails a mandatory accessibility criterion. For further information, see CEO authorizations.

2.6 Modifications to polling places

When it is impossible to find an accessible polling place that meets all 15 mandatory and to the extent possible, all non-mandatory criteria, the building may be temporarily modified. Elections Canada must approve all expenditures in writing prior to any temporary modification.

Temporary modifications

Elections Canada strives to make voting accessible to all eligible electors and encourages ROs to discuss with landlords any temporary modifications required to make a polling place accessible. With the landlord's permission, ROs can then hire contractors, and rent or purchase equipment in order to temporarily render the site fully accessible.

Examples of accessibility issues which may require modifications include (but are not limited to):

• Ramps
• Walkways
• Door thresholds
• Outdoor lighting
• Handrails
• Carpets or mats
• Protruding objects

Where a polling place is not accessible but could be rendered accessible through temporary modifications, and with the prior approval of the building owner, obtain an estimate from three suppliers for the construction of a temporary modification. Submit a Special Request to ECHQ in EC Connex and wait for approval. Your request should include the cost for installing and dismantling the ramps or other necessary materials.

When a quote/proposal for modifications is accepted, it is necessary for the contractor to discuss with the landlord or representative of the facility the exact modification required. This is necessary to avoid misunderstandings and to ensure that the landlord knows exactly what is being built or modified.

When a polling place requires only minor modifications, such as adding proper signage, ramps for the curb or a small ramp for a threshold, you are not to take any action before the issue of the writ or until you receive instructions to proceed from EC.

When a building that does not meet one or more of the 15 mandatory accessibility criteria must still be used as a polling place, you must request permission from the CEO to use it as a non-accessible location. You must submit a Special Request Form in EC Connex so that the CEO may approve the site. If authorization is granted, you will receive notification from ECHQ.

Permanent modifications

Permanent modifications to the building are not permitted and should not be discussed with the landlord.

For insurance and liability considerations, permanent changes to polling places are not permitted. Any changes made to a polling place must be temporary; the polling place must be returned to the landlord in its original state at the end of the lease, without exceptions.

If a landlord offers to make permanent changes to their property so that it can meet our accessibility standards for future elections, you may provide them with a list of Elections Canada's 15 mandatory criteria outlined on the Polling Place Suitability Checklist (EC 12152).

2.6.1 CEO authorizations

While completing your polling place search during pre-event activities, you may come across places that will require special authorization from the CEO. These four situations require such special authorization:

1. Assigning more than 10 polling stations in one polling place
   
   This happens when a polling place becomes unavailable and you have to reassign the electors who were assigned to the lost location. You may also need to assign more than 10 polling stations to a polling place if you have limited options for polling places.
2. A polling site is not accessible and cannot be made accessible
   
   Using a polling site that does not meet all mandatory accessibility criteria is considered a non-accessible site. This will have a direct impact on the Voter Information Services page on the EC website and on the VIC sent to all electors. In this case, the message will ask electors with disabilities to contact your office to make special arrangements in order to vote. Office staff and poll workers should be made aware that this site does not meet all the mandatory accessibility criteria, and of the alternate service options available to electors who may require them.
3. You have to use a location outside of your ED
   
   For the sake of proximity and familiarity with locations, you may have to use a location outside of your ED. This may happen in remote areas where suitable polling places are scarce.
   
   Following polling place visits and evaluations, a request for CEO permission should be submitted to ECHQ if polling places in your ED meet one or more of the above scenarios. Authorization will follow either during the pre-event period or following the issuance of the writ.

2.7 Collecting accessibility data

You collect information for each potential polling place in the SITES application. This information includes accessibility data that reflects the mandatory requirements. The collection of accessibility data allows EC to maintain a database that includes a national inventory of potential offices and polling places and their respective accessibility information.

2.7.1 National database of electoral facilities

The use of this database is not limited to EC and RO offices. EC shares polling places accessibility information with internal and external groups. Community groups are invited to assist at updating the accessibility information, so it is important that the collected information be complete and accurate.

Groups interested in the information are:

• Provincial and municipal election organizations
• Operations and Field Governance, to monitor election readiness and prepare post–election reports
• Public Enquiries, to respond to queries from the public such as "Where do I vote?"
• Members of Parliament and candidates
• Electoral Financing, to conduct analyses on projected electoral event costs
• The Geographic Information System (GIS) team, to integrate the polling places into the geographical database, in order to make a more comprehensive mapping source
• The REVISE application team so they can produce Voter Information Cards

The Polling Place Suitability Checklist (EC 12152) must be completed for every place used during an electoral event. The information from the checklist is read by REVISE to populate the accessibility statement on the Voter Information Card and will be displayed for each polling place during the election on the Elections Canada website.

2.8 Electors requiring assistance to vote

The following information pertains to advance/ordinary and mobile polls and voting in RO offices, and describes the procedures that the DRO and service agents must follow when assisting electors both in the RO office and at polling places. Some tools are also described.

2.8.1 Assisting an elector with a disability

At the polls

Upon request from an elector who is unable to vote in the manner prescribed by the CEA because of a disability or is unable to read, the DRO must assist the elector in the presence of another election officer. Electors may require different levels of assistance. It may take more time for an elector with a disability or elderly person to complete every action.

In your office

The designated election officer shall assist the elector by completing a declaration and writing the elector's name where the elector's signature is to be written; and marking the ballot as directed by the elector in the elector's presence. Also, the officer shall indicate on the declaration that the elector was assisted.

2.8.2 Assisting an elector with a visual impairment

Elections Canada provides four types of devices to assist an elector with a visual impairment to vote independently and secretly:

• Voting template (EC 50170) – If the elector wishes to use the Voting Template, the DRO assists the elector as indicated in the Deputy Returning Officer Guidebook (EC 50300, 50320, 50340, 77060), all available in ECDocs.
• List of Candidates in Large Print (EC 50174) – You will supply each DRO with three copies of the List of Candidates in Large Print.
• Magnifier with light (EC 50285) – EC provides a Magnifier with light at all polling places. All the magnifying glasses have a built-in light and a magnification of 4X. The magnifying glasses are to be placed in plain sight; however, do not assume that electors will be able to see them.
• Braille List of Candidates (EC 50173) – On polling day, the CPS or designated DRO will have the Braille List of Candidates (in English and in French). On the Braille List of Candidates, the candidates' names and their political affiliation are reproduced in the same order as on the printed ballot. The candidates' names have been numbered, and those numbers correspond to the numbers on the voting template. The DRO is to help an elector who wishes to use the Braille List of Candidates.

The DRO is to advise the elector that some of these tools are available for use.

2.8.3 Assistance from a friend, spouse, common-law partner or relative

A friend, spouse, common-law partner or relative may help an elector to mark a ballot, but only if requested by the elector. The person assisting the elector does not have to be a qualified elector in the ED, but shall first make a solemn declaration in the prescribed form. Some electors may be accompanied by a personal support worker. These support workers may assist the elector as a "friend".

2.9 Handling accessibility complaints

Electors, poll workers, candidates or anyone else may call or visit your office at any time in the election period to report incidents or complaints. In general, you or the ARO directly handles all incidents and complaints. Decide who will be responsible, and instruct staff to direct all incidents and complaints to that person.

The CPS or designated election officer for accessibility must be conscious of obstacles that may impede electors from voting throughout the day. If an elector voices a concern in this regard, the election officer must:

• Invite the elector to explain the situation
• If the issue can be resolved immediately, inform the elector that the necessary steps will be taken to rectify the problem
• If the issue cannot be resolved immediately, inform the elector that the situation will be reported to the RO, who will attempt to resolve the issue on the same day
• If the elector still wishes to submit a written complaint about an accessibility issue, provide the Feedback on Accessibility and Voter Experience Form (EC 50119)
• If the elector chooses to complete the feedback form and requests assistance, the election officer must ensure that all the relevant sections are completed:
  • the elector may wish to remain anonymous (the elector's name and address are optional)
  • the elector must retain the white copy for his records
  • if the elector wishes, he may take the form to complete later

Reporting accessibility complaints

As detailed in C14 of Volume II of this Manual, all complaints related to accessibility at the polls must be logged into the ICBMS.

This system is designed for two purposes:

• Logging and tracking the information recorded on the Feedback on Accessibility and Voter Experience Form (EC 50119), which is completed by an elector who encounters any accessibility or other issues at the polling place, or who wishes to provide voter feedback
• Producing reports that will subsequently be used by various Operations and Field Governance teams to track dispute resolution progress by ROs

For instructions on this system, consult the ICBMS User's Guide in the RO Toolkit (Field Personnel Intranet).

2.10 Duty to accommodate

This section will help guide your work with elections officers, electors and office personnel. The "duty to accommodate" described in the Canadian Human Rights Act is the obligation to take measures to remove barriers resulting from a rule, policy or physical environment that may have adverse effects on persons or groups on prohibited grounds.

Prohibited grounds of discrimination are listed in the Canadian Human Rights Act.

The duty to accommodate takes this into account, and includes any of the "grounds of discrimination," with a focus on the barriers faced by people with disabilities.

People with disabilities face barriers in their everyday lives. They also face barriers when participating in the electoral process. There are three main types of barriers: physical, informational and attitudinal.

2.10.1 Barriers to the electoral process

Physical barriers

Physical barriers are features of buildings or spaces that cause problems for people with disabilities. Examples include:

• A heavy door
• Narrow hallways and doorways
• Tables that are too high
• Poor lighting
• Doorknobs that are difficult to grasp
• Parking spaces that are too narrow

Informational barriers

Informational barriers describe instances where a person cannot easily understand information. Examples include:

• Print that is too small to read
• Websites that do not support screen-reading software
• Signs that are not clear or easily understood
• Text that is not written in plain language

Attitudinal barriers

Attitudinal barriers describe instances where people are discriminated against based on misconceptions about their disabilities. Examples include:

• Thinking that people with disabilities are inferior or cannot do the job
• Assuming that a person with a disability is completely incapable
• Assuming that a person who has a speech impairment cannot understand you
• Not considering the possibility that a person may have a disability that you may not easily recognize

Attitudinal barriers are most often apparent in the words used while communicating with each other. Language based on negative attitudes may be used unintentionally, or may be used without wanting to be insensitive. The next section provides tips on communicating effectively with people with disabilities and examples of language to use to shape more positive attitudes. Make sure to apply them daily.

The RO, EC, office staff and election officers are all required to make every reasonable effort to accommodate anyone with a physical, mental or developmental disability, regardless as to whether that person is an elector, a potential or hired election officer or an employee.

If any staff member notices a situation where accommodation might be required, they are to address the issue with you – even more so if the accommodation requires an expense or would potentially place undue hardship on the workflow. If any staff member requires accommodation for himself, he can communicate to you his own accommodation needs.

"The idea is to prevent barriers to accessibility in the first place, rather than to remove them retroactively." For example, arrange to have the training room on the ground floor, rather than trying to determine how to help a person in a wheelchair get up and down stairs.

The duty to accommodate has limits. Sometimes accommodation is not possible because it would cause an organization "undue hardship". "Each situation should be viewed as unique and assessed individually". If you have concerns about particular accommodation, contact ECHQ. Do not try to make a determination about "undue hardship" by yourself.

For more information on overcoming negative attitudes through improper language, consult the Government of Canada's Accessibility Resource Centre.

2.10.2 Communicating effectively with persons with disabilities

The tips in this section are examples of measures to be taken as part of your duty to accommodate. Other tips on the list are reminders on how to more positively interact with people, regardless of their abilities.

General

• Put people first and say: "Person with a disability" to put the focus on the person instead of the disability. [Rather than saying "disabled person"]
• Avoid statements that make it seem like a person with a disability should be pitied such as "victim of," "suffers with," or "stricken with" and words such as "burden," "incompetent" or "defective." Simply say "person with a disability".
• Avoid categorizing people with disabilities as super-achievers or tragic figures. Choose words that are nonjudgmental and that convey accurate descriptions.
• Do not assume what people can or cannot do. Just because they have one disability does not mean that they have another.
• If you are not familiar with the disability, wait until people describe their situation instead of making incorrect assumptions.
• If you offer help, wait until you receive permission and then ask for instructions on how you can help.
• Speak normally, clearly and directly to people instead of to a companion or interpreter.
• Do not touch or speak to service animals   they are working and must pay attention at all times.
• Patience, politeness and willingness to find a way to communicate are the best tools.
• It is appropriate to shake hands when introduced to people with a disability. People with limited hand use or who wear an artificial limb can still shake hands.
• Do not be embarrassed if you happen to use accepted, common expressions such as "see you later" or "got to be running along" or "take care".

Over the phone

• Do not worry about how the person's voice sounds. Concentrate on what is being said.
• Be patient, do not interrupt or finish people's sentences. Give them time to explain themselves.
• Do not try to guess what they are saying. If you do not understand, do not pretend. Just ask again.
• If you are not certain what was said, just repeat or rephrase what you have heard.
• Speak normally and directly to the person, not an interpreter or companion.

People who are deaf or blind

• Do not assume what people can or cannot do. Some people who are deaf or blind have some sight or hearing.
• They are likely to explain how to communicate with them or give you an assistance card or a note explaining how to best do so.
• Identify yourself to the elector and the interpreter when you approach the person who is deaf or blind.
• Never touch a person who is deaf or blind suddenly or without permission unless it is an emergency.

People who have hearing disabilities

• Always ask how you can help. Do not shout. Just speak in a normal tone of voice.
• Get their attention before speaking. The best way is gently waving your hand.
• Make sure you are in a well-lit area so they can see your face.
• If necessary, ask if another method of communicating would be easier (e.g. a pen and paper).
• Do not put your hands in front of your face when speaking.
• Be clear and precise when giving directions, and repeat or rephrase if necessary. Make sure they understand what you say.
• If the person uses a hearing aid, try to speak in an area with few competing sounds.

People who have visual disabilities

• Identify yourself when you approach them.
• Never touch them without asking permission, unless it is an emergency.
• If you are giving directions or verbal information, be precise and clear. For example, if you are approaching a door or an obstacle, say so.
• Do not just assume people cannot see you.
• Do not leave people in the middle of a room. Direct them to a chair or guide them to a comfortable location.
• Do not walk away without saying good-bye.

People who have speech or language impairments

• If you do not understand, ask them to repeat the information.
• If you can, ask questions that can be answered by "yes" or "no."
• Do not interrupt or finish their sentences. Wait for them to finish.

People who have physical disabilities

• They may have their own way of doing things. They will identify their needs to you.
• Ask before you help and be patient.
• Do not touch assistive devices unnecessarily, including wheelchairs, unless it is an emergency.
• Provide people with information about accessible features of the building (e.g. automatic doors, accessible washrooms).
• Remove obstacles and rearrange furniture to ensure clear passage.
• Place yourself at eye level when speaking with a person in a wheelchair or on crutches.

People who have learning disabilities

• When you know they have a learning disability, ask how you can best help.
• Take the time – people with some kinds of learning disabilities may take a little longer to understand and respond.
• Try to find ways to provide information that works best for them. For example, have a paper and pen handy.
• Be courteous and patient. They will let you know how to best provide service in a way that works for them.

People with intellectual or developmental disabilities

• Use plain language and speak in short sentences.
• Make sure they understand what you say.
• If you cannot understand what is being said, do not pretend. Just ask again.
• Provide one piece of information at a time.

People who have mental health disabilities

• Treat them with respect and consideration.
• Be confident and reassuring. Listen carefully and work with them to meet their needs.
• If they appear to be in a crisis, ask them to tell you the best way to help.

Information in the following table is derived from the Accessibility Directorate of Ontario, the Ontario Education Services Corporation and Employment and Social Development Canada. ^{footnote 1}

Table 3 Acceptable terms to use when referring to people with disabilities

Instead of	Use
Birth defect, congenital defect, deformity	Person born with a disability Person who has a congenital disability
Blind (the), visually impaired (the)	Person who is blind Person with a visual impairment
Confined to a wheelchair, wheelchair- bound	Person who uses a wheelchair Wheelchair user
Cripple, crippled, lame	Person with a disability Person with a mobility impairment Person who has a spinal cord injury, arthritis, etc.
Hard of hearing (the), hearing impaired	Person who is hard of hearing Note: These individuals are not deaf and may compensate for a hearing loss with an amplification device or system.
Deaf-mute, deaf and dumb	Person who is deaf Note: Culturally-linguistically deaf people (that is, sign language users) are properly identified as "the Deaf" (upper-case "D"). People who do not use sign language are properly referred to as "the deaf" (lower-case "d") or "persons who are deaf."
Epileptic (the)	Person who has epilepsy
Fit, attack, spell	Seizure
Handicapped (the)	Person with a disability
Handicapped parking, bathrooms	Accessible parking Accessible bathrooms
Inarticulate, incoherent	Person who has a speech disorder Person who has a speech disability
Insane (unsound mind), lunatic, maniac, mental patient, mentally diseased, mentally ill, neurotic, psychotic	Person with a mental health disability Note: The term "insane" (unsound mind) should only be used in a strictly legal sense. The expression "person with a mental health disability" is broad. If relevant, you can specify the type of disability, for example, "person who has depression" or "person who has schizophrenia."
Invalid	Person with a disability
Learning disabled, learning disordered, dyslexic (the)	Person with a learning disability
Mentally retarded, defective, feeble minded, idiot, imbecile, moron, retarded, simple, mongoloid	Person with an intellectual disability Note: If relevant, specify the type of disability.
Normal	Person without a disability
Person who has trouble...	Person who needs...
Physically challenged, physically handicapped, physically impaired	Person with a disability
Spastic	Person who has spasms
Suffers from, stricken with, afflicted by	Person with a disability Note: People with disabilities do not necessarily suffer.
Victim of cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, arthritis, etc.	Person who has cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, arthritis, etc. Person with a mobility impairment Person with a disability

Footnotes

Return to source ¹ Employment and Social Development Canada, "A Way with Words and Images", retrieved on November 2, 2017.

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