Prevalence

Prevalence is a statistical term used to indicate how common a particular condition, disease or characteristic is within a group or community. In this instance, we use prevalence to refer to how many people with specific characteristics are within a community. For example, how many people with disabilities are living within the Australian community?

Activity:

Using the ABS report to answer the following questions:

1. What was the number and percentage of Australians living with disabilities in 2018?

2. Why does the prevalence of disability increase with age?

3. What percentage of people living with disabilities rely on government benefits as the main source of income? What are the implications of this?

4. Based on this data, what are the main issues affecting people living with disabilities?

Individual diversity within each group

The concept of diversity means understanding that each person is unique and recognising individual differences.

An individual is considered to have a disability if they report that they have a limitation, restriction or impairment, which has lasted, or is likely to last, for at least six months and restricts everyday activities.

People with a disability may vary depending on their classification and degree of limitation.

Classifications:

• Disability can be classified in the following ways:

P: Physical (e.g. spina bifida, cerebral palsy)

I: Intellectual (e.g. down syndrome, foetal alcohol syndrome)

P: Psychological (e.g depression, bipolar)

S: Sensory (e.g. hearing or visually impaired)

Degrees of limitation

• Profound limitation: people with the greatest need for help or who are unable to do an activity

• Severe limitation: people who sometimes need help and/or have difficulty

• Moderate limitation: people who need no help but have difficulty

• Mild limitation: people who need no help and have no difficulty, but use aids or have limitations.

• “Disability does not discriminate”. Although certain risk factors can increase the likelihood of an individual being born with or developing a disability, people with disabilities can come from any race, gender, educational or socio-economic group.

• They may suffer from one or multiple disabilities.

• Some may be born with a disability while others may acquire one (e.g. as a result of a road accident).

• Many people with disabilities are able to complete a university education and have productive working lives. Some have relationships, marry and have children.

• Others may require care and more assistance with the activities of daily living.

Terminology used by the community to describe the group

We use a broad range of terminology to describe people who have a disability, and the terms can often be positive, negative, insensitivity, or often incorrect. It is important to understand the terms the community uses and what they mean to ensure they are not offensive or insensitive. Over the years, attitudes towards people with disabilities have improved. Able-bodied people have an increased awareness of the needs of people with a disabilities and their community participation in social events and activities.

Use the information from the table above to develop a response to the following exam style question:

• The community uses both positive and negative terminology to describe people with a disability. Discuss the impact this might have on the wellbeing of individuals within the group (6 marks).

Use the information above to develop a response to the following questions:

1. What determines whether an individual is part of the disabled group? (2 marks)

2. How might individuals vary within the group? Provide specific examples to support your answer (6 marks)