Socio-demographic characteristics of the physically disabled in Canada

The major purpose of this paper is to compare a large sample of physically disabled Canadians (N = 1,692) with a similar group of able-bodied persons on a set of socio-demographic characteristics. The data are obtained from the General Social Survey of 1985, and the findings are placed within a minority group status framework. A series of demographic, personal adjustment and economic variables are analyzed using both cross-tabular and logit statistical techniques. In general, the data show that the physically disabled are older, female, and more likely to be divorced, separated or widowed. Relative to the able-bodied, they are not satisfied with their health, jobs, economic circumstances, personal relationships, and life in general. The factors associated with dissatisfaction are likely to be primarily economic and personal. The data developed in this study provide evidence that the physically disabled in Canada are in fact a minority group who are disadvantaged and do not participate fully in the structure of Canadian society.