HSC core: Groups in Context
CATEGORY A: PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
Exploring People with disabilities:
the four
specific ‘Persons with disabilities include those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments which in interaction with various barriers
groups may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others’.
within the - The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
community ⇾ Disability can affect activity and restrict an individual’s participation in everyday life. It affects many aspects of a person’s lifestyle and can also have a significant
impact on the lives of family members.
⇾ The types of disabilities can be physical, intellectual, psychological and sensory.
Prevalence of each ⇾ The proportion of people with disabilities is growing due to the ageing population.
group within the ⇾ As expected, disability increases with age, with 6.6% of 15 – 24 year olds having a disability compared with 40% of 65 – 69 year olds.
community ⇾ The 2012 Survey of Disability, Ageing and Carers (SDAC) estimated that 4.2 million Australians, or 18.5% of the population, had a
disability.
Individual diversity ⇾ People with disabilities can come from any race, gender, educational or socio-economic group.
within each group ⇾ They may suffer from one or multiple disabilities. Disabilities can be temporary or permanent, and can vary from mild to severe.
⇾ Some may be born with a disability, while others may acquire one.
⇾ Many people with disabilities are able to complete a university degree and have productive working lives. Some have relationships,
marry and have children. Some are actively involved in disability rights, and others in sport. Others may participate in a sheltered
workshop and require more assistance with the activities of daily living.
⇾ The concept of diversity means understanding that each person is unique and recognising individual differences. To acknowledge
humanitarian rights, the community must move beyond simple tolerance to embrace and celebrate diversity and address and explore
diverse needs. All people, regardless of disability, deserve this equality.
Terminology used ⇾ A range of terminology can be used to describe the community; this can be both positive and negative. People with Disability Australia,
by the community states that language shapes the way we view the world and that our words influence community attitudes positively and negatively.
to describe the ⇾ The term ‘person with a disability’ reflects an understanding of the importance of the person first, while the term ‘disabled person’
group implies that the disability identifies the person.
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, ⇾ Using words such as ‘brave’, ‘special’ or ‘courageous’ to describe a person with a disability can be seen as patronising. Referring to
those without disability as normal and healthy can be offensive. Additionally, society needs to use the term ‘accessible’ rather than
‘disabled’ when referring to facilities.
⇾ Insensitive language is not only inaccurate, it stereotypes the individual unfairly. Derogatory and insensitive terms impact on a person’s
sense of security and wellbeing. Individuals can feel unsafe or unwelcome, and unjustified social taunting further impacts on their
ability or desire to participate socially and economically in their community.
Issues of satisfaction of needs
concern for - specific needs of each group
the four Needs can be defined as the necessities of life, which are required for survival and physical and mental health.
specific ⇾ A need is considered a priority if it is the primary basis for an individual being able to satisfy other needs or to achieve a basic sense of wellbeing.
groups ⇾ It is hard to identify priority needs in the disabled community due to the variations in ability, degree and type of disability.
within the ⇾ Health and education are often considered high-priority. Although, the diversity of the group members can impact on the priority of the needs – as individuals'
community needs change over time.
⇾ If needs are not met, an individual’s physical, social, emotional and economic wellbeing will be impacted upon, with their physical and emotional condition
deteriorating.
Adequate The socioeconomic status of a person with a disability may be affected due to lower workforce participation rates.
standard of living ⇾ This may affect food choices, as some types of disabilities influence choices in food selection and preparation. Others may find their
(food, clothing, choice limited if they cannot shop or prepare foods independently.
shelter) ⇾ Clothing may need to be modified to give a person with a disability more independence.
⇾ People with disabilities may live independently or with family members. In this case, housing needs to be affordable and close to services,
with modifications sometimes needing to be made.
⇾ Group housing may also be available depending on the type of disability an individual has.
Health People with disabilities have varying levels of health problems, but many members of this group require some degree of health care, which could
be in the form of – medication, specialist assistance or physical assistance.
⇾ The need to maintain good health is particularly important for people who have a disability, because this can greatly affect their overall
quality of life.
⇾ The effects of disability on a person’s health will depend on the nature and degree of the disability. However, if the person’s health is
maintained through adequate health care, then they will be able to maintain as much independence and wellbeing as possible.
⇾ Some people with disabilities experience further deterioration in their condition as part of the ageing process.
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, ⇾ People in wheelchairs may experience pressure sores, weight gain and cardiac problems due to their limited activity. Other people with
disabilities may suffer from mental health issues, and therefore it is important that this is recognised and treated appropriately.
⇾ Regardless of their level of health, every person with a disability needs a regular general practitioner (GP) and regular dental and optical
check-ups. People with disabilities may also require a variety of specialist physicians. Many have a Health Care Card to assist in meeting
their needs.
⇾ If health needs are not met, quality of life and lifespan are adversely affected.
Education Education refers to the formal and informal learning of information, knowledge or skills.
⇾ Education is vital for a number of reasons and, if not prioritised, economic status and an an individual's overall development may not be
optimal.
⇾ People with a higher level of education tend to have better knowledge of the resources available to them. Diminished opportunities to
acquire knowledge may restrict people with disabilities in seeking out support agencies that serve to enhance or advocate for their needs.
⇾ Early intervention is a strategy that seeks to optimise development. Many people with disabilities require early intervention through
programs designed to enhance physical, intellectual and living skills. (Schools may offer life skills and transitioning to work programs).
⇾ Education about the nature of the disability is also required, for both the carer and the person with the disability. Carers need to be aware
of both the prognosis for the person with the disability, and the strategies needed to help them be as independent as possible.
⇾ Education also plays an important social role, in that it assists people to meet others and develop relationships.
Employment Employment may help individuals to meet their needs of an adequate standard of living and a sense of identity.
⇾ Many people with a disability will find it difficult to find permanent work due to the nature of their disability, their level of education and
the attitudes of employers.
⇾ Specialised training and ongoing support may be needed. Specific employment structures exist which are run by support groups, and have
jobs available in various areas including, landscaping, cleaning, administration and farming. Some people with disabilities also work for
organisations that support people with disabilities.
Safety and Safety and security applies to the physical, emotional and financial areas of the individual’s life.
security ⇾ People with disabilities may be vulnerable because of their disability. They may be ignored by insensitive people, or exploited financially
or harmed physically by relatives or nursing home staff.
⇾ They may be lonely and have fewer opportunities to interact socially with friends and neighbours.
Sense of identity This refers to a person’s view of who they are.
⇾ Closely linked to self-esteem, a person’s sense of identity comes from involvement in work, family life and activities.
⇾ Self-esteem is an important need for people with a disability, as maintaining a healthy level of self-esteem can help to ensure that people
who have a disability continue working, socialising and being involved in other activities as much as possible.
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, A person who has become disabled as an adult may experience difficulties in establishing a renewed sense of identity. This might come from a
lack of self-worth as they are no longer able to perform the everyday tasks that they once did.
Access to services
- types of services, eg financial support, transport, accommodation and housing, health care, counselling, education, employment, legal aid
Financial Disability support pensions are provided to those who are prevented from working because of a disability.
support ⇾ A Sickness Allowance is available for short-term disability.
⇾ A Mobility Allowance assists with transport costs for those who cannot use public transport without substantial assistance.
⇾ Child Disability Assistance Payments and Youth Disability Supplements are available for young people with disabilities.
⇾ Access to financial support often relies on individuals being aware of the schemes.
Transport Equitable access to facilities and the ability to travel around a community underpins all aspects of life for people with a disability. While most
people with disabilities travel less frequently than others in the community, it is essential to their wellbeing that they can travel in a safe manner.
⇾ On public transport, accessibility standards have been enforced. These are designated seats for persons with a disability, and ramps and
boarding devices.
⇾ For private vehicles, there are designated disabled parking spaces that allow for wheelchair access.
⇾ Mobility allowances, specialised disability taxis and community transport are also available.
Accommodation The type of disability will determine the accommodation required.
and housing ⇾ A person may require modifications to their home (specialist furniture, ramps, security and adapted appliances)
⇾ They may require accommodation that comes with full-time or part-time care.
⇾ The community accommodation available will be impacted upon by geographic location and local services.
Health care The type of health service required is entirely dependent upon the type of, and severity of the disability experienced.
⇾ The service facility should be accessible both physically and financially, and should be attended to by compassionate employees who are
able to assist with the needs of this specific group.
⇾ The opening hours may be structured to cater for 24/7 needs. Some health care facilities also offer transport to enable people with
disabilities to access these vital services.
Counselling A person with a disability will find their sense of belonging and wellbeing is impacted upon by liaison with mental health personnel.
⇾ Counselling may be delivered by carers, staff with nursing backgrounds, or by professional mental health personnel. Each works to address
aspects of a specific need, with the ultimate goal being to heighten personal wellbeing.
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