Nunavummi Disabilities Makinnasuaqtiit Society
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The Concept of Disability

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Many people in Nunavut live with disabilities. And the number is growing. Understanding disability helps us build a more inclusive community. We need to be aware of:

  • Disability in Nunavut: Facts and statistics about disability in Nunavut
  • Barriers to accessibility: Common challenges for Nunavummiut with disabilities
  • Types of disabilities: Different ways people experience disabilities

Disability in Nunavut

What is Disability?

The concept of disability has changed over time. In the past, many people believed disability was a problem that needed to be fixed somehow. They regarded disability as a problem. This attitude negatively affected the self-worth of people with disabilities.

Now, we have a better understanding of disability. We realize that disability results when a person encounters barriers in their environment. In other words, it’s not a person’s own limitations that disable them. Rather, it’s the barriers in society that result in disability.

How Many People Have Disabilities?

  • According to Statistics Canada, 14.3% of Canadians report having a disability. This is similar to the United Nations’ estimate of 15% for the world population. 
  • Based on this calculation, more than 5,570 Nunavummiut live with disabilities. However, research shows that the percentage is higher. In fact, it may be double the percentage for Canada. Some research estimates a total of 12,480 Nunavummiut living with disabilities.
  • The number of Nunavummiut receiving disability benefits increased by 74% between 1999 and 2015. 

Why Is the Number Growing?

  • Aging population: There are more seniors now, with more age-related disabilities. These include arthritis, dementia, Alzheimer’s, mobility-related disabilities, and hearing-related disabilities. The senior demographic will continue to grow. The need for continuing care and supported living is expected to quadruple over the next 20 years. 
  • Expanded legal definitions: Nunavut’s Human Rights Act now includes mental health conditions, addictions, and other conditions under the definition of disability. Substance use is a known problem in Nunavut. The Nunavut Recovery Centre plans to have 32 treatment beds available, 365 days a year. 
  • More awareness and diagnosis: Conditions like Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) are being identified more often. FASD is more common among Indigenous populations, children in foster care, correctional inmates, and other vulnerable groups. Qikiqtani General Hospital has recognized that FASD requires significant attention in Nunavut. It is a lifelong disability and the most common cause of developmental disability. As a society, we are also becoming more aware of conditions such as autism and trauma. 

Barriers to Accessibility

People with disabilities face challenges that make it harder to participate in community life. These challenges include:

  • Attitudinal barriers: Stereotypes, stigma, and discrimination against people with disabilities
  • Communication barriers: Lack of accessible formats (e.g., no captions for videos, inaccessible signage, inaccessible websites or documents)
  • Technological barriers: Lack of assistive technology (assistive, adaptive, or rehabilitative devices)
  • Physical barriers: Buildings without ramps or automatic doors
  • Policy barriers: Laws and policies that do not support accessibility and may prevent people from accessing programs, services, or benefits
  • Social barriers: Barriers related to employment, education, income, and family violence
  • Transportation barriers: Limited accessible transportation options, preventing mobility and independence

Please see our Advocacy section on our Services page to learn more about how we advocate for accessibility.

Types of Disabilities

Disabilities affect people in different ways. Here are some of the most common types of disability:

  • Physical disabilities affect movement, strength, or mobility. Examples: cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, injuries to limbs or torso, amputations, illnesses that affect the functioning of limbs or body.
  • Visual impairments affect vision and the ability to see clearly. Examples include blindness, low vision, light sensitivity, and colour blindness.
  • Hearing impairments affect the ability to hear or process sound. Examples include deafness, hearing loss, auditory neuropathy, and many other conditions.
  • Intellectual and developmental disabilities affect the ability to comprehend and process information. They may include developmental delays, Down syndrome, autism, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, and other conditions.
  • Mental health and emotional disabilities may affect an individual’s behaviour and ability to function in daily life. Examples include anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, mood disorders, impulse control and addictions, personality disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder. 
  • Invisible disabilities are not always noticeable, but they still impact daily life. Examples include chronic pain, diabetes, dyslexia, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Find Out More About NDMS and Disability

  • Advocacy: Learn how we support disability rights.
  • Legal rights: Understand disability law in Nunavut.
  • Courses: Discover training and education opportunities.
  • Research: Read studies and reports about disability.