Creating a condo community that meets the diverse needs of your residents must include those living with disabilities. Here we share the most important insights your condo board can gain from the 2024 National Accessibility Study (NAS) to create a more inclusive community.

What’s the 2024 National Accessibility Study?

The NAS is released by the Rick Hansen Foundation, providing valuable insights into living with mobility challenges and perceptions about accessibility in Canada. It aims to measure Canadian knowledge about those living with disabilities, those over 55 and their caregivers. It also studies the perceived shortcomings regarding accessibility within public, residential and work settings.

5 Important Study Findings

Five key areas that provide insights into possible needs in your condo community include:

#1: 64% of Canadians either have a disability or a family member they care for with a disability

This surprising number is made even more compelling by the finding that 54% of Canadians with mental health or disability challenges worry about getting around safely in public places. Also, 51% are socially isolated due to this concern. These numbers show how important it is to create a community where accessibility is prioritized with features that make life easier for both those with disabilities and their caregivers, including:

• More handrails and grab bars
• Introducing more sloped pathways for wheelchairs so residents and their caregivers can enjoy exterior common areas
• Automatic doors throughout the property
• More accessible parking spots

#2: 14% of Canadians have a disability yet don’t identify as having one

The language you use requires sensitivity when dealing with people you perceive to be disabled. They might not feel they have a disadvantage and therefore sensitivity training can help ensure they are treated the same as any other resident.

#3: 21% of people with disabilities or who live with a person with disabilities believe a lack of understanding in the workplace creates work barriers

Trying to create an inclusive workplace where people of all abilities are considered for job openings is critical to help find the most qualified staff. Creating a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policy will promote differently abled employment in your Condo Corporation’s workplace. In hand with education regarding disabilities, you can create a more welcoming, inclusive environment with opportunities for all.

#4: 43% of employees with disabilities would be willing to work longer hours if they had more accessible workplaces

Unsuitable workstation designs, inaccessible entries and doorways, lack of handrails, etc. all create physical barriers that can keep some people with disabilities from excelling in their careers. You can create a work environment where everyone has equal opportunities to succeed, including well-designed workstations that allow people with disabilities to remain competitive.

#5: The top reasons cited for poor accessibility include the age of the building, not including accessibility in renovation budgets, and not prioritizing accessibility in design

In older buildings, including accessibility updates in your budget and reserve fund will provide opportunities to improve accessibility as part of your capital projects.

With a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by an aging population, those living with disabilities and their caregivers, your condo board can create a more livable, workable community.

The condo experts at CPO Management Inc, a full-service property management company in Toronto and the GTA, has the experience you need to assess building accessibility and create an inclusive community to meet the diverse needs of people with disabilities. Reach out to us today to learn more about our condo services.