Playing outside with friends, going to work, or preparing a meal with loved ones can be daily challenges for persons living with a physical impairment. According to a study published in 2004, close to 30% of households in Quebec include at least one person with some form of disability, including physical impairments. For them, activities that require listening, talking, getting around or seeing can be a barrier. Such people are among the most vulnerable members of our society; their situation often results in financial, psychological and social difficulties. As full-fledged citizens, people with disabilities must have access to the resources they need to optimize their social participation. This goal can be reached thanks to Physical Rehabilitation Centres (PRCs) and others that make a significant difference in the lives of the people living with a physical impairment.
Every year, over 77,500 people with a hearing, language, motor or visual impairment receive specialized or ultra-specialized rehabilitation services from PRCs. These people of all ages have significant and chronic disabilities resulting from physical impairments that they were born with or that they acquired at some point in their life. By calling upon the adaptation, rehabilitation and social integration services offered by PRCs, these people have the opportunity to be socially active, to get involved in their community, and even to prevent early placement in a care institution.
