Core 2 - Groups in Context Flashcards
What are the type of Disabilities?
P.I.P.S. → Physical Disability → Intellectual Disability → Psychological Disability → Sensory Disability
Define Physical Disability
Physical disability (i.e. spina bifida, stroke)
Define Intelectual Disability
Intellectual, disability (i.e. down syndrome, foetal alcohol syndrome)
Define Psychological Disability
Psychological, disability (i.e. depression, bipolar)
Define Sensory Disability
Sensory, disability (i.e. hearing or visually impaired)
What is the Prevalence of the Group?
In 2015 the Australian Bureau of Statistics reported that over 4 million people, or 1 in 5 Australians, were living with a type of disability.
What is Positive Terminology Used by the Community?
→ People with disability
→ Using/living with
→ Accessible
What is Negative Terminology Used by the Community?
→ Disabled Person
→ Suffering or Confinement
→ Disabled
What are the Satisfaction of Needs (HESEAS)
→ Health → Education → Safety & Security → Employment → Adequate Standard of Living → Sense of Identity
Health
The healthcare needs of individuals who live with disability are incredibly diverse and there are many factors which impact the individual health of people with disabilities. For example, a Paralympian will typically be healthier than the average person, while someone who is homebound may struggle to get enough physical activity.
Factors influencing health include:
→ Overall fitness
→ Diet
→ Age
→ Physical or mental conditionEducation
Formal and informal education system contribute to the development of knowledge and skills. A person’s education level can also influence the quality and quantity of employment opportunities available to them. People who are born or live with disabilities can benefit from early intervention strategies which aim to improve physical, intellectual and living skills and knowledge. The education needs of each person will vary depending on the type and severity of their condition. Courses for individuals with disabilities may be offered at schools, community colleges or by specialised trainers. Ideally education should also facilitate independence and nurture social skills and relationships.
Safety & Security
To achieve optimum physical, emotional and financial health people need to experience a certain level of safety and security. This is especially important for individuals who live with disability who may be vulnerable as a result of their condition(s).A person’s sense of security and safety can be compromised by a variety of factors, especially when they live, work or socialise with individuals who do not acknowledge, understand or respect their unique circumstances.
People with disabilities may be exposed to:
→ Insensitivity and ignorance
→ Verbal and physical abuse
→ Financial exploitation
→ Social isolation and loneliness
Employment
When people are employed they benefit in a variety of ways. Employment provides individuals with income, helping them meet their basic living needs, and contributes to their self-identity. It can be challenging for people who live with disability to find stable, ongoing or permanent work.
The opportunities available to them are affected by:
→ The nature and severity of their condition
→ Their level of education and qualifications
→ The attitudes of employers
Adequate Standard of Living
Living with a disability can impact socioeconomic status; lower rates of employment amongst people with disabilities is one contributing factor. Lower levels of income can be particularly concerning for individuals who live with disability because they may have specific or unique needs.
People living with one or more disabilities may:
→ Have special dietary needs
→ Need modified clothing
→ Require specialised equipment
→ Have to install ramps, railings and other facilities
Sense of Identity
eople build their sense of self around the way they live, the work they do and the things they enjoy. Self-identity is closely linked to self-esteem; when a person feels good about themselves they are more likely to demonstrate healthy attitudes and behaviours.
When people experience disability, especially later in life, it can be challenging for them to readjust their sense of self-identity and self-worth, which can lead to reduced esteem and feelings of depression. Participating in charitable works, community events and other social or physical activities can help people with disabilities to positively develop their sense of self. When look at needs, we need to at time set Priority Needs.
Long term illness or poor health can negatively affect:
→ Sense of self
→ Motivation
→ Personal and social relationships
→ Employability and
→ Financial security
What are the Types of Services (HEEL FACT)
→ → → → → → → →
What are the Types of Services (HEEL FACT)
→ Health Care → Education → Employment → Legal Aid → Financial → Accommodation & Housing → Counselling → Transport
Health Care
Healthcare facilities and services need to be affordable and accessible for all Australians. Providing equitable access is particularly important for people who live with disabilities as they are more likely to need healthcare assistance and less likely to have financial security. For services to be effective, employees need to understand the specific needs of people with disabilities. Empathy, understanding and patience are all positive qualities which should be nurtured and enhanced during staff training and development. Services should be offered on a 24/7 basis, meaning that they need to offer a mixture of in-branch, phone and digital access points. Providing daily or weekly transport services is another way to ensure that homebound individuals are able to access physical healthcare facilities.
Education
The education needs and abilities of people who live with disability are diverse. The learning tools, resources and support required will vary depending on individual circumstances. As a result, educational services for people with disabilities must be carefully considered and designed to ensure they are equitable, accessible and relevant.
Employment
There are a variety of accessibility support services available to both employees and employers. Ongoing support is essential to ensure that people with disabilities are able to thrive in professional environments. Support may involve the provision of particular resources, tools and flexible work hours, or alternatively, the education of employers and organisations about accessibility needs
Legal Aid
Organisations like the Disability Discrimination Legal Service Inc (DDLS) offer free legal services to people with disabilities.
The legal services provided include:
→ Advice
→ Information
→ Referrals
→ Casework assistance
→ Community legal education
→ Policy and law reformFinancial
There are a variety of support options which are designed to assist people with disabilities who lack sufficient financial resources. However, in order to benefit from these services individuals must be aware of their options. To increase accessibility government agencies must focus on education and promotion of the services available.
Examples of financial support services for individuals who live with disability include:
→ Disability support pensions: for people with a disability who cannot work
→ Sickness Allowance: available to people with short-term disability
→ Mobility allowance: for people who cannot use public transport
→ Child Disability Assistance Payments: for children with disabilities and
→ Youth Disability Supplements: for young people with disabilities
Accommodation & Housing
Individuals who live with disability may require a range of facilities, equipment, care or accommodation services. For example, they may need to modify their homes with custom designed furniture and ramps. If part-time or full-time care is needed people with disabilities may need to apply or pay for specialised, community accommodation. The availability of accommodation services will depend on factors like geographic location and socioeconomic status.
Counselling
Living with a disability can impact mental health, affecting an individual’s sense of self, belonging and wellbeing. Quality counselling services are therefore vital to people who live with disability.
These services should be delivered by qualified, empathetic and well-trained staff who may work as:
→ Carers
→ Mental health professionals
→ Medical staff with a background in nursing
