Technology-related barriers faced by persons with disabilities or long-term conditions, 2024
Release date: March 24, 2025
Description: Technology-related barriers faced by persons with disabilities or long-term conditions, 2024
Most common types of technological devices used by persons with disabilities or long-term conditions in 2024Note 1, Note 2, Note 3
- 86%: Mobile or smartphones
- 53%: Laptop or netbook
- 41%: Desktop computer
Women (50%) were more likely than men (40%) to have difficulties using a technological device because of their condition.
Among persons with disabilities or long-term conditions…
- 29% experienced difficulties while using their mobile or smartphone because of their condition
- Most common types of difficulties
- 12%: Downloading or installing programs or applications
- 11%: Operating a touchscreen (e.g., screen too small, no alternative)
- 10%: Manipulating controls (e.g., size or spacing of button or dial, lack of tactile indicators or braille controls)
25% experienced difficulties using online communication toolsNote 4 because of their condition
- Most common types of difficulties
- 10%: Lack of adjustable settings
- 10%: Accessing support services for communication tools
- 9%: Time limits to completing actions on communication tools
30% experienced difficulties while using self-serve technologyNote 5 because of their condition
- Most common types of difficulties
- 15%: Lack of human assistance when needed
- 13%: Reading on-screen text
- 12%: Understanding on-screen prompts
Source: Statistics Canada, Survey Series on Accessibility – Experiences with Accessibility and Information and Communication Technology, 2024.
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