Disability Statistics & Etiquette Flashcards
Why are disability statistics so variable?
-
Differences in How “Disability” is Defined
Many definitions of the concept of “disability” and not all surveys use same definition -
Differences in Data Collection Methods
Some are self-report, some based on observation -
Political or Public Relations Biases
Some countries, organizations are reluctant to report accurate numbers (for fear it will look unfavorable)
What is an example of how we are all susceptible to disabilities?
- An able-bodied person can acquire a disability through an illness or accident
What are some of the figures cited regarding worldwide disability incidences?
- The United Nations says 15%
- European Women’s Lobby says 10% (with women more susceptible to disability and discrimination than men)
- WHO says 15%
What are some disability stats from around the world (as cited in DU)?
- US: 10-20%
- UK: 15-25%
- Canada: 12-14%
- EU: 15%
- Finland: 32%
- Phillipines: 1-8%
- Latin America and the Caribbean: 10%
- Japan: 6%
- China 5%
What percentage of older adults have disabilities?
- Most estimates say 30%-60%
Additional info:
- Older people are more likely to have disabilities.
- We often acquire multiple disabilities as a natural part of the aging process.
How do the percentages of people with disabilities compare between people of any age, vs. 70+ and 80+ years old?
- Any age: 10%
- 70+: 20%
- 85+: 50%
What are some of the types and ranges of percentages of disabilities for people aged 65+ in the US?
- Vision: ~10-20%
- Hearing: ~15-40%
- Cognitive: ~10-30%
- Ambulatory: ~25-65%
- Self-Care: ~10-30%
- Independent Living: ~15-50%
What is the connection between disabilities and lower levels of education?
- People with disabilities tend to be less educated than the general population
- In the case of severe disabilities, the individuals may not be capable of completing a traditional education through the school system.
- Sometimes a school or institution is not equipped to handle students with disabilities
What are the consequences of lower education levels for people with disabilities?
- May not be as qualified for a job as other candidates - so less likely to get the job
- Leads to vicious cycle of poverty and lost opportunities that can be very difficult to overcome
What is the connection between disabilities, workplace discrimination, and unemployment?
- Statistically speaking, people with disabilities as a group tend to be disproportionately represented among those who are unemployed or under-employed, even after taking their disability into account
- In most cases, people with disabilities are willing and able to perform when given a chance. In only a minority of cases does the disability itself and/or related health issues severely limit the individual’s ability to work, or prevent it entirely.
- Workplace discrimination often reduces employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
In what ways are disabilities expensive?
- Can be expensive for the person and the family members / care-givers
- Cost of daily tasks is often higher for a person with a disability, when compared to someone without
- Many people with disabilities who need these supports cannot afford them - a difficult cycle to break out of
What percentage of people with disabilities live in poverty in the United States? How likely are they to live in poverty in the US, as compared to the general population?
- ~30% of people with disabilities live below the poverty line in the US.
- In the United States, people with disabilities are 2x as likely to live in poverty as the general population.
What percentage of people with disabilities age 65 and older in the United States are living with ambulatory disabilities?
23%.
According to the United Nations, what is the average number of years people spend living with a disability in a country where the life expectancy is 70 years or more?
8 years
True or False: People with disabilities who are willing and able to work may face difficulty obtaining and/or retaining opportunities due to job discrimination and lack of reasonable job accommodations.
True
How should you act around a person with a disability?
- Think of them as people and recognize them as individuals
- Act around them as you would other people and the rest will flow naturally (for the most part)
What does it mean to use “people first” language?
If a person’s disability must be mentioned in conversation or writing, refer to the person first, then the disability.
Examples
* a person with epilepsy
* John, who has epilepsy
What is the “people first” way to refer to: “the disabled, the handicapped”?
People with disabilities
What is the “people first” way to refer to: “crippled, physically handicapped or wheelchair bound”?
- A person with a physical disability/impairment
- wheelchair user
What is the “people first” way to refer to: “a disease or defect”
A condition.
What is the “people first” way to refer to: “the Blind”?
- People who are blind
- People who are partially sighted, or
- People who are visually impaired
What is the “people first” way to refer to: “the deaf, or hearing impaired”?
- People who are deaf
- People who are hard of hearing.
If a person with a disability has a companion or interpreter, what should you do?
- Acknowledge the person with the disability directly
- Do not make statements intended for the person to his/her companion
How should you position yourself when speaking with a person who uses a wheelchair?
- Consider kneeling or sitting in a chair when engaged in a lengthy conversation - this helps to maintain eye contact without putting strain on their neck
Instead of “raising voice or talking as if speaking to a child,” what should you do when addressing a person with a disability?
Maintain usual pitch volume and rhythm when speaking.
Instead of “interrupting a person with speech impairments and trying to finish sentences for them,” what should you do when addressing a person with a disability?
- Listen patiently
- If needed, ask for clarification.
Instead of “putting your hands near your mouth when communicating with someone who is deaf or hard of hearing,” what should you do when addressing a person with a disability?
Ensure that the person who is deaf or hard of hearing has a clear view of your face.
Instead of “playing ‘guess who’ games with people who are blind or visually impaired,” what should you do when addressing a person with a disability?
Introduce yourself by name to a person who is blind.
Instead of “speaking to the friend or support worker of a person with a disability when the conversation is directed at the person with a disability,” what should you do when addressing a person with a disability?
Speak directly to the person who has the disability.
Is it offensive to say “see you later” to a person who is blind?
No - there is no need to avoid common sayings. People with disabilities understand these are common.
What are the DO’s and DON’T’s when talking to or helping someone with a disability?
DO’s
* * DO address the person directly.
* DO say “hello”.
* DO offer help when it is truly needed. - if in doubt, ask
* DO respect personal space.
DON’Ts
* DON’T assume people with disabilities need help.
* DON’T take offense if you offer to help a person with a disability and they reject your offer to help
* DON’T try to help someone without permission - may startle them or throw them off balance
* DON’T avoid phrases that sound potentially offensive, but aren’t actually, like “see you later.”
What are service animals?
- Service animals (such as guide dogs) are doing a job.
- These animals are in service of their owner.
What are the DON’T’s of service animals when in work mode?
DON’Ts:
* don’t pet them
* don’t play with them
* don’t feed them
* don’t draw their attention in any way
Distracting service animals from their job makes it harder for the owner to control the animal’s actions.
* Reduces the usefulness of the service animal
* Can even lead to some dangerous situations.
What are the DO’s and DON’T’s of service animals when not in work mode?
- The owner may allow you to pet it or interact with it, but DO ask the owner first.
- DON’T interact with the animal without the owner’s knowledge and permission.
How do you respect personal space of a person who uses an assistive device?
- Do not touch, lean on, or pick up the assistive device
- Many people with disabilities consider these devices part of their personal space
What should you do when in doubt about how to interact with a person with a disability?
- Remember that everyone is different - what is considered appropriate differs from person to person
- Consider personal preference - if there is any doubt, ask the person what they prefer in terms of language, etiquette.
- Try your best to remember their preference when in their presence.
