Participation and Activity Limitation Survey, 2001 [Canada]

The most recent data collected on persons with disabilities before PALS is from the 1991 Health and Activity Limitation Survey (HALS). In order to better identify the PALS target population, major changes were made to the structure of the sample and the filter questions identifying persons with disabilities. Therefore, comparisons between the 1986 and 1991 HALS and 2001 PALS surveys are not possible.

On the other hand, these filter questions can now serve as a standard for identifying persons with disabilities in other Statistics Canada surveys. For additional information on the new survey approach, see the User Guide: Appendix E document entitled A New Approach to Disability Data: Changes between the 1991 Health and Activity Limitation Survey (HALS) and the 2001 Participation and Activity Limitation Survey (PALS).