There was a time in Canadian history when people with disability were seen as a threat to society, law and order, and to themselves that they were best kept in asylums or institutions. By the start the 1920s, people with disabilities were encouraged to participate in society pr perform job roles. Radical changes, however, came during the 1970s when traditional views on people with disability were challenged as themselves the limiting factors against the individuals. Instead, participation was enhanced through increase of access to buildings, transport, and employment.
In a social context, by the 1980s, the welfare-society pushed for right of all citizens including those with disability and stigmatised to be accepted for what they could contribute.
In the context of the law, people with disability were once incarcerated with criminals, but today are cared for at public expense but with limited individual freedom. Those with physical disabilities, however, may remain cared for in their homes and social control was unnecessary.
In a medical view, legitimate medical needs are the focus of treatment which also influenced increased employability amongst the disabled. Jongbloed (2003) noted that “Social assistance legislation reflects a response to medical and economic needs by providing minimal financial support to those unable to work.” (p 205).
In a socio-political aspect, a person with disability can be employed, or where disability is acquired at work, benefits from insurance and contributions to the Canada Pension Plan, or provincial social assistance.
In general, Canadian disability policies are seen as fragmented and addressing incremental or separate demands. As part of the welfare-state policies, there remains a need to address properly the needs of people with disabilities that society long owed them.