The Health and Activity Limitation Survey.

Abstract

The Health and Activity Limitation Survey was the first post-censal survey to be conducted immediately following the 1986 Census of Population. A comprehensive survey of persons with disabilities, the sample included 184,500 persons residing in households and 19,100 individuals in health related institutions. Data gathered included the nature and severity of the individual's disability and the barriers disabled persons might encounter in their daily activities. The survey showed that an estimated 3.3 million Canadians, or 13% of the population, experienced some level of disability. The survey also showed a significant increase in disability with age. While 5% of children aged 0-14 had a disability, in the population aged 15-64, 11% were disabled. The prevalence increased to 46% for the population aged 65 and older. Disabilities related to mobility were reported by approximately 2 million persons or just under two thirds of the disabled population aged 15 and older. Of the 1.8 million adults aged 15-64 with a disability, approximately 56% reported an income of under $10,000 and 1985, while 12.5% $30,000 or more.