Disabled mannequins: Perfect isn't what you think it is

When you see a store mannequin, it’s typically in the shape of what’s considered to be the ideal body type for a male or female.

But people come in all shapes, sizes and colours. The same also applies to people with physical or mental disabilities. Do you gawk and stare when someone walks by supported by two crutches  or do you walk by like it’s not a big deal?

To celebrate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3, Pro Infirmis, an organization for the disabled, launched an innovative campaign. A few people living with physical disabilities had mannequins created in their likeness and see how they react, along with how other shoppers react when they see them.

This campaign was created by a German creative agency Jung Von Matt/Limmat, along with fashion retailers WE Fashion, modissa, PKZ, Schild and Bernies, to “provoke reflection on the acceptance of people with disabilities.”

In Canada, there were 3.8 million people who were 15 years or older living with a disability that affected their day-to-day activities, according to a 2012 Canadian Survey on Disability. This number accounts for 13.7 per cent of Canadians, according to Statistics Canada. Unfortunately of those Canadians living with disabilities, 26 per cent are classified as very severe and 22.5 per cent are classified as severe. Also, about 80 per cent of those with disabilities use an aid, such as hearing aids or magnifiers, or device to assist them, such as wheelchairs and hand and arm supports.

If you’re involved in a motor vehicle accident, sometimes there are unfortunate devastating consequences, whether it’s from a spinal cord injury or a brain injury, that can lead to depression and other changes in behaviour. If an incident has stopped you from working, it’s important to understand how disability entitlement works so you can focus on recovering and getting better.

Accident benefits are available to anyone involved in a motor vehicle accident. The personal injury and accident lawyers at Neinstein Personal Injury Lawyers have been dealing with all accident related issues throughout Ontario for over 45 years. We know how to get you the compensation that you deserve and get your life back in order after being in a car accident. Call us at 416-920-4242, set up a free consultation, and come speak with us.

Greg Neinstein

Greg Neinstein, B.A. LLB., is the Managing Partner at Neinstein Personal Injury Lawyers LLP. His practice focuses on serious injury and complex insurance claims, including motor vehicle accidents, slip and fall injuries, long-term disability claims and insurance claims. Greg has extensive mediation and trial experience and has a reputation among his colleagues as a skillful negotiator.
Greg Neinstein