Improvements are required for identifying Australians living with disability. In the 2016 Census, disability was measured only in terms of whether a person requires ‘help’ or ‘someone to be with them’. This does not adequately allow a person to identify as having a disability. Disability pride plays an important role in destigmatising disability within the community. It is important to note that not all people with disabilities require assistance with self-care activities, body movement or communication. The current questions establish disability from a medical model perspective, and do nothing to identify the barriers people with a disability face in accessing full participation in ordinary life. The ratification of the United Nations’ Convention of the Rights of Persons of Disabilities (CPRD) by the Australia Government in 2008 means that Australia must demonstrate that opportunities for disabled people do not differ from the rest of society, that rights under the CPRD are upheld and their dignity respected in all aspects of life.
Further to this, there is a need to consider consistency of language. The use of the words ‘profound and severe’ is not used in all current demographic data. There also needs to be consideration for chronic health issues (e.g. – diabetes) that do not require significant assistance. The language could be changed to “significant assistance” instead of just “assistance".
It is important to identify gaps between those with disability or the ageing population who requires assistance but do not qualify for NDIS or Home Care Packages. Consider expanding and reframing of the current questions as they are somewhat paternalistic/patronising. It is recommended that the language is changed from ‘help’ and ‘someone to be with them’ and replaced with ‘require support/assistance with’. There are other surveys which attempt to capture such data, namely the Supplementary Disability Survey and the Survey of Disability, Ageing and Carers. However, both surveys are sample data collection and only relate to state level.
Further recommended considerations:
• Identify barriers by location and disability type to provide essential data for good planning of infrastructure and services at a local level.
• Ensure a clear differentiation is made between permanent and temporary disability, and at the beginning.
• Need to expand the definition of assistance with communication so that all disabilities are considered.
• Consider asking if the disability is mobility based, sensory, or communication (could tick multiple).
• Ensure definitions align with language used in relevant Commonwealth and State Plans.
• Consider including a question on whether the disability impacts on the person’s ability to be involved in the community in any way.