Most people never think about what it takes, physically, to be an Oakville, Ontario real estate agent until something happens that makes them unable to perform some of their normal, everyday tasks. Suddenly nothing is a given anymore. You can't rely on yourself to be able to do everything or go everywhere you used to. This is what life is like for the millions of disabled Canadians. If you're still blissfully in the dark, this article should open your eyes to how Canadians with some common disabilities are currently living.

Para/Quadriplegic

When most people think of someone who is disabled, they think of someone who is confined to a wheelchair, but they rarely think of how much more difficult it is for a person in a wheelchair to navigate real estate. Toronto MLS listings are often not wheelchair accessible, so the disabled person arrives he or she is faced with stairs they cannot go up, washrooms their chair will not fit into, and cupboards that are much too high for them to reach. And it's the same with a lot of public buildings and vehicles too.

Loss of Muscle Control

For people who have degenerative conditions like ALS, life becomes more and more of a struggle the further their disease progresses. Even in the beginning when mobility is still possible visiting homes for sale on PEI means not being able to grasp and turn doorknobs. It means needing help to open their medication, assistance with getting food from the plate into their mouths, and having to get someone to help them do up the fastenings on their clothing. Severe arthritis sufferers face the same types of challenges.

Deafness

When you're deaf, you can't hear when your Vaughan real estate agent is calling you on the telephone. You can't put the receiver to your ear and have a conversation. Doorbells are likewise useless. You can't listen to the radio to find out school is cancelled. You can't hear the dialogue and sound effects at the movies or on TV. You can't even understand what people are trying to tell you unless they speak sign language or you can read lips. And you have to be extra careful of cars because you can't hear them coming.

Visual Impairment

For people who are visually impaired or blind, life is very difficult. You can no longer see to read, to watch TV, to cross the road, or to avoid hitting furniture on your way to bed. Any new Toronto condominiums for sale or building that you visit is a complete unknown to you. It's impossible to cross the street or take public transit without assistance, and driving is completely out of the question. You can't even tell what time it is unless you buy a talking watch or clock.