Important Definitions from the Act

Disability: An inability to participate fully and equally in society as a result of the interaction of an impairment and a barrier.

Barrier: Essentially, anything that hinders the full and equal participation in society of a person with an impairment.​

Impairment: A physical, sensory, mental, intellectual, or cognitive impairment which is permanent, temporary, or episodic. ​

What are examples of barriers to accessibility?

• Attitudinal: when people think and/or act based upon false assumptions​.
• Physical: when obstacles in an environment make access difficult​.
• Information or Communication: when people with disabilities are excluded because they use other ways to communicate.
• Systemic: when an organization’s policies, practices, and procedures result in exclusion​.
• Technology: when technology can’t be accessed by people with disabilities​.
• Sensory: when sensory information such as lights, sounds, smells, etc. prevent participation in the environment.