GROUPS IN CONTEXT

DISABILITIES:

- The united nations convention on the rights of persons with disabilities states that,
“persons with disabilities include those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual
or sensory impairments which in interaction with various barriers may hinder their full
and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others”
- Disability can affect activity and restrict 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.
People with disabilities - PIPS:
- P - Physical (for example - spina bifida, stroke)
- I - Intellectual (for example - down syndrome, foetal alcohol syndrome)
- P - Psychological (for example - depressions, bipolar)
- S - Sensory (for example - hearing or visually impaired)
***** Students learn to = link to how individuals might vary within the group

PREVALENCE:

- The proportion of people with disabilities is growing due to the ageing population
- According to ABS, in 2009 there were 4 million people with a disability
- The prevalence of disability fell from 20% in 2003 to 18.5% in 2009.
- As expected, disability increases with age, with 6.6% of 15-24 year olds having a
disability compared with 18% of 45-54 year olds and 40% of 65-69 year olds.
- Page 150 - 158 of textbook

INDIVIDUAL DIVERSITY THE GROUP:

- People with disabilities can come from any race, gender, educational or socioeconomic
group. They may suffer from one or multiple disabilities
- Some may be born with a disability while others may acquire one, perhaps as a result of
a motor vehicle accident.
- Disabilities can be temporary or permanent and can range from mild to severe.
- Many people with a disability are able to complete a university education and have
productive working lives. Some have relationships, marry and have children.
- Some are actively involved in disability rights, sports, authors, comics, and artists.
- Others may require greater assistance with the activities of daily living.
- The concept of diversity means understanding that each person is unique and
recognising individual differences.
TERMINOLOGY:

- Over the years, attitudes towards people with disabilities have improved. able -bodied
people have an increased awareness of the needs of people with disabilities, and their
community participation in social events and activities.
- People with disability Australia (2014) states that language shapes the way we view the
world and that our words influences community attitudes positively and negatively.
- The term “person with a disability” reflects an understanding of the importance of the
person first, while the term “disabled person” implies that the disability identifies the
person.
- Similarly, “a person living with bipolar”, is preferable to “a sufferer of bipolar”, and “a
person using a wheelchair” is preferable to saying a person is “confined to a wheelchair”.
- Using words such as ‘brave’, ‘special’, or ‘courageous’ to describe a person with a
disability can be seen as patronising.
- Referring to those without a disability as normal and healthy can be offensive.
- We need to sue the word ‘accessible’ rather than ‘disabled’ when referring to parking
spots, accommodation or bathrooms.
- 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 may 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 CONCERN FOR THE YOUTH: (SHESEAS)

Satisfaction of needs:
1) S - Sense of Identity
2) H - Health
3) E - Employment
4) S - Security and safety
5) E - Education
6) A - Adequate standard of living

SHESEAS:

1) Security and safety:

○ Security and safety applies to the physical, emotional, and financial areas of an
individual’s life.
○ People with disabilities may be vulnerable because of their disability
○ They may be abused by insensitive and ignorant members of the community, 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.
 ○ A variety of items are available as safety aids; safety mobility is an australian
business that sells products for aiding peoples transportation up and down stairs
in an emergency situation. The company also offers products such as the
carousel automatic pill/ medication dispenser, which dispenses medication and
can alert emergency services or carers if people need their medication.

2) Health:
○ People with disabilities have varying levels of health problems
○ Paralympians are in many cases, fitter, stronger and more active than members
of the general population.
○ Some people with disabilities experience further deterioration in their condition as
part of the ageing process
■ Example: a person newly diagnosed with motor neurone disease (a
disease where the nerve cells or neurons controlling the muscles that
allow us to move, speak, breathe, and swallow, degenerate an die) May
be able to work and walk but, as the disease progresses, both of these
abilities may diminish.
○ People who use 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, such as
depression; it is important that this is recognised and treated appropriately.
○ Regardless of their level of health, every person with a disability needs regular
GP and like everyone, regular dental and optical check-ups.
○ People with disabilities may also require a variety of specialist physicians.
○ Many people have a health care card to assist them to meet these needs.
○ Healthcare needs to be affordable and accessible. Problems may arise when the
person with a disability cannot communicate
■ Example: in cases of stroke, autism or acquired brain injury
○ The person with a disability may require a supportive advocate to communicate
their needs to a health professional
○ If health needs are not met, quality of life and life span are adversely affected.

3) Education:
○ Education is vital for a number of reasons and, if it is not prioritised, economic
status and an individual’s overall development may not be optimal.
○ 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 courses on things such as life skills and transitioning to work
○ Education about the nature of the disability for the person with the disability and
carers alike. Carers need to be aware of both the prognosis for the person with a
disability and the strategies needed to help them be as independent as possible.
○ Universities and TAFE’s are increasingly catering for the needs and widening
access to a range of support services.
 ■ Example: modified computers, instructions in braille and modified
furniture.

4) Sense of identity:
○ Sense of identity 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.
○ A person who has become disabled as an adult may experience great difficulties
in establishing a renewed sense of identity.
○ They might compare themselves with people who don’t have a disability and
might concentrate on experiences they are unable to have.
○ Often people with disabilities gain a strong sense of identity through their
involvement in charity or fundraising activities that benefit the disabled
community. Some are also proud of their achievements in activities such as the
special olympics or paralympics.

5) Employment:
○ Employment can 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 secure 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. There are specific
employment structures run by support groups, such as the house with no steps,
whose motto is ‘making the most of our abilities’.
○ There are jobs available in various areas, including landscape maintenance, litter
collection, specialised packaging, manufacturing, hospitality, recycling, laundry
operations, cleaning and farming.
○ Some people with a disability work for organisations that support people with
disabilities
■ For example; the Australian disability discrimination commissioner is
Graeme Innes, a vision impaired lawyer.
■ Another example: is hearing impaired teachers who teach hearing
impaired children.
○ The government provides subsidies to businesses that employ people with
disabilities.

6) Adequate standard of living:

○ The socioeconomic status of a person with a disability may be affected due to
lower workforce participation rates.
○ This may affect food choices. Some types of disabilities affect choices in food
selection and preparation
 ■ For example; some people may require specially processed food if they
cannot digest or swallow safely.
○ Other may find their choices limited if they cannot shop or prepare foods
independently.
○ Clothing may need to be modified to give a person with a disability more
independence.
■ Zips and buttons can be replaced with magnets or velcro
○ Bathroom and toilet: replacement of the bath with a shower, installation of grab
rails and movement of the toilet and basin
○ Kitchen: replacement of rangehood and cooktop, lowering of bench tops,
cupboards and shelves, creation of wheel space under the sink.
○ Access to and from the home: installation of ramps and handrails, widening of
doorways, and construction of pathways.
○ Electrical infrastructure: changing of switches and changing of power points
○ The garden: creation of a low maintenance garden, and creation of a garden that
a person who has a disability can access.

PRIORITY NEEDS:

- 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.
- Given the variations in ability, degree and type of disability, it can be difficult to identify
priority needs in the disabled community - but, generally, health and education are
considered high-priority needs.
- Ill health inevitably impacts on one’s sense of self, levels of personal motivation and the
ability to complete routine activities.
- If there is a continued or long term absence of good health, the likelihood of holding
down employment is diminished, which will impact on economic wellbeing.
Relationships, both social and intimate, will also be impacted by an individual’s level of
health.
- Diminished opportunities to acquire knowledge may restrict people with disabilities in
seeking out support agencies that serve to enhance or advocate for their needs. A low
level of education, even for able individuals, reduces employment opportunities.
Combined with a disability, a lack of education can make it even more difficult to access
employment.

ACCESS TO SERVICES:

- People with disabilities require access to a variety of services that maintain and increase
their independence.
- Such services include educational intervention, employment support, home care,
accessible transport, suitable accommodation and the internet.
TYPES OF SERVICES: (FAT LEECH)

1) Financial support
2) Transport
3) Accomodation and housing
4) Health care
5) Counselling
6) Education
7) Employment
8) Legal aid

Below are some organisations that provide services for people who have a disability:
- The australian association of the deaf
- Blind citizens australia
- The epilepsy association
- The national association for autism
- Spinal cord injuries australia
- Seeing eye dogs australia

1) Financial support services:

○ Disability support pensions are provided to those who are prevented from
working because of a disability
○ A sickness allowance is available for a 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 services is closely aligned with education, as

individuals must be made aware of such schemes before they can access them.
2) Accomodation:
○ The type of disability will determine the accommodation required.
○ A person may require modifications to their home, including 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.

3) Transport:
○ Equitable access to facilities and the ability to travel around a community
underpins all aspects of life for people with a disability.
○ On public transport, accessibility standards have been enforced. There 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. While people with disabilities possibly travel less frequently than others
in the community, it is essential to their wellbeing that they can travel in a safe
manner.

4) Counselling:
○ A person with a disability will find their sense of belonging and wellbeing is
impacted 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.

5) 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 (given
that many people with a disability are unable to engage in full-time work) and
should also be attended 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.

6) Legal aid:
○ Free legal services are offered to people with disabilities through the disabilities
discrimination legal service.
○ Apart from directly offering services, this organisation investigates and
challenges current social, economic and legislative issues affecting people with
disabilities.
○ The australian centre for disability law also works to promote and protect the
rights of people with disability through legal advocacy.

7) Education:
 ○ Educational services for people with disabilities deserve the same focus as
services for any other consumer.
○ People with disabilities have diverse abilities and learning needs; they may
require specialised help, learning tools, books and technology.
○ Education will look different for each type of disability.

8) Employment:
○ Disability employment services promote and assist the employment of people
with a disability.
○ This may be through assistance to both the person with the disability and to the
employer.
○ Ongoing support is critical, as is close liaison to ascertain that needs are
addressed.

FACTORS AFFECTING ACCESS TO SERVICES: (CAR)

- C - Characteristics of individuals within the group

- E.g. age, gender, level of education, culture, type of disability, first language
spoken, socioeconomic status
- A - Aspects of the service
- E.g. opening hours, confidentiality, location, staffing
- R - Resources
- E.g. time, money, energy, and knowledge

CHARACTERISTICS OF INDIVIDUAL WITHIN THE GROUP:

Age:
- At both ends of the life span, a person with a disability may be dependent upon a carer
or support group for assistance in accessing services such as health care or financial
support.
- In some instances, individuals may be difficult to assist, due to immobility and factors
related to age and size.
- Example: a carer may need to consider the increased fragility of an elderly
person with a disability.

Type of disability:
- The type and degree of disability has the most significant effort on access to services
- The disability may be short or long term, life threatening or just uncomfortable
- Disability is diverse, and so is the range of support services available

RESOURCES:
 - May be human or non human
- Generally, such resources are interrelated and together assist individuals to achieve
goals.
- In the absence of a significant resource, the likelihood of achieving goals is severely
restricted
- For people with disabilities, a variety of services and support structures are available.
However, the personal resources available to these individuals - such as time, money,
energy, and knowledge - will affect their access to these services.

Money:
- People with disabilities may need expensive equipment.
- Example: a beach wheelchair allows a person to access the surf and sand,
however, it is much more expensive than a regular wheelchair which can’t be
used at the beach
- While allowances are given to people with disabilities and their carers, the income may
not be comparable to that of full time employment.

Knowledge:
- Some disabilities mean individuals are unable to communicate sadly, some people
mistake this lack of communication for a lack of knowledge
- This is not always the case! In fact, advancements in technology mean that people with
disabilities have even more opportunities to acquire knowledge.
- Unfortunately, the specialised computers and learning tools required come at a cost.
Difficulty accessing technology may also make it difficult for people to find out about the
services available in their area.
ASPECTS OF THE SERVICE:

Confidentiality:
- The disability discrimination act of 1992 clearly states that, like all people, people with
disabilities have the right to be treated equitably.
- They have the right to access services without having to disclose unnecessary personal
information, if information is provided, they have the right to confidentiality
- If this basic civil right is not adhered to, it may have a further negative impact on the
person if they seek work, or attempt to access education, training, friendship and support
networks.

Location:
- People with disabilities who live in urban communities have greater access to resources
such as health services, education, support groups and government departments.
- Those living in rural or remote locations may have to travel to gain assistance.
- Difficulties can be encountered anywhere
- Example: disability care australia site in newcastle. The government agency was
located in close proximity to a major shopping centre, which meant there was
great competition for parking spaces. Despite the provision of a number of
accessible parking spots, controversially - one lift was removed from the parking
station closest to disability care Australia.