People with disabilities

Helping People with Disabilities Live Independently

(Photo: Andrew Stawicki, © PhotoSensitve)

The Situation

The major accomplishments of medical science in the last 50 years have been discoveries that allow us to live more comfortably with disease and disability. But with that good news comes the critical need for more and better health care support services for frail people and those with disabilities.

Living with disease and disabilities presents tough challenges. It's difficult to find work or secure homecare and you are more likely to live in poverty. You'll also encounter a shortage of places to live that are adapted to your special needs.

With the appropriate support we can prevent illness, early institutionalization and lessen the demands on an already over-burdened hospital and health care system. Support is more important than ever given the growing pressure on the health care system to limit homecare services only to the acutely ill.

The Facts

  • 12% of the total Canadian population (one in eight) has a disability. 53% of those aged 75 plus have a disability (2001).
  • One third of adults and just under half (46%) of children with disabilities who require some type of aid or device have unmet needs. As the severity of the disability increases, so does the rate of unmet needs (2004).
  • In 2004, 36,706 people suffered from some form of dementia in Toronto—a number that is expected to double by 2028 (2004).
  • 51% of food bank users report having a disability or serious limitation (2007).

United Way Support

Of the 200 agencies that United Way funds, 31 offer a better way of living for frail people and those with disabilities. Health care support services and programs, counselling, rehabilitation, independent living skills, social and recreational day programs, homecare and transportation to medical appointments — these initiatives make a critical difference to thousands of people in Toronto every day, giving them independence and dignity.

In 2004, United Way agencies supported 52,000 participants with disabilities. Three thousand participants were engaged in job training, such as work placements, job coaching, computer training and literacy classes, all designed to help them find employment. And 12,000 participants with disabilities received housing support or life skills training to encourage independence.

Photo: Mike Fuhrmann

Support United Way and you'll support people like Amit Sadarangani

At the age of only 25, Amit Sadarangani suffered a debilitating stroke. Suddenly, he was facing a life of limited mobility and independence.

Then, he began attending the day program at Scarborough Support Services, a United Way agency, where he socialized with other adults and seniors living with disabilities.

The impact

Today at 29, Amit has gained a sense of belonging and purpose along with a group of friends. A bright young man with diverse interests, he is involved in music, crafts and Internet research. He also works out at the YMCA several times a week and enjoys outings, such as trips to Casa Loma.

Adapted from an article in The Toronto Sun, November 19, 2004 by Serena Willoughby

How your dollars make an impact

$120 provides four hours of counselling support to a person with epilepsy.

$300 transports six seniors home from the hospital and provides a Personal Support worker for three hours in the home to make sure they are settled following their hospital stay.

$520 purchases white canes for 20 people who are visually impaired, enhancing their mobility and promoting independence.

$1,500 offers a caregiver seven evenings of overnight respite care, giving a much-needed reprieve.

With your generosity, United Way agencies are able to address the challenges faced by people living with disabilities and assist them in their desire to be self-sufficient and independent.

Your donation will make a difference by supporting:

  • Homecare (house cleaning, yard maintenance) and personal care
  • Meals on wheels
  • Respite for caregivers
  • Mental health programs
  • Physical rehabilitation programs
  • Drug and alcohol education and programs to help people overcome addictions

Download the brochure: Helping People with Disabilities Live Independently (pdf - 141 KB).