Groups in Context Flashcards
People with Disabilities
Definition
Those with long-term physical, mental or sensory impairments which may hinder full participation in society”- UNITED NATIONS ON RIGHTS OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
P Physical: E.g. Paralysis, cerebral palsy
I Intellectual: E.g. Down Syndrome
P Psychological: E.g. Depression, bipolar
S Sensory: E.g. Hearing or vision impairment
Homeless People
Definition
“A person is homeless if he/she has inadequate access to safe and secure housing.”SUPPORTED ACCOMMODATION ASSISTANCE ACT (1994)
GLBTI
Definition
Gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex communities. GLBTI emphasises diversity
Youth
Definition
Encompassess the years of adolescent growth, is a time when many young people are studying, training or planning for the future. (AMA- 10-24)
Prevalence of each group in the community
PEOPLE WITH A DISABILITY
ABS 2009; 4 million people in Australia had a disability
6.6% of 15-24 year olds have a disability
40% of 65-69 year olds have a disability (Increases with age)
Due to ageing population, disabilities increase with age
Prevalence of each group in the community
HOMELESS PEOPLE
1 in 200 people in Australia are homeless
60%-70% had been homeless for more than 6 months
More than half of those seeking assistance from
services are turned away
Females; reported higher incidence of domestic or family violence
Difficult to estimate number; due to transient (constantly changing) nature of
Could be due to family breakdowns, domestic violence, financial problems, drug/alcohol problems, lack of emergency accommodation
Females and children generally given preference over males in accommodation
Prevalence of each group in the community
GLBTI
2011; 0.7% of couples were same sex
2006; 0.6%, and 1996; only 0.3%
More male same sex couples than females
May be higher numbers; but lack of national information
People are afraid to select in census (don’t want to be discriminated against)
Prevalence of each group in the community
YOUTH
20% of Australia’s population is made of youth (4.2 million)
51% are males, 49% are females
Estimated will account for less than 18% in 2020, due to fertility trends, lowered birth rate
Ageing population, low birth rate, parents waiting to have children, instead focus on careers
Individual Diversity Within Each Group
PEOPLE WITH A DISABILITY
May have been born with or acquired a disability
May require a wheelchair, may require a carer
Come from any age group, gender, culture, socioeconomic status etc
E.g. Wheelchair user different to depression
Individual Diversity Within Each Group
HOMELESS PEOPLE
All have inadequate access to safe housing, not meeting safety/security needs
Different causes of homelessness; e.g. family breakdowns, financial problems etc
Diverse from society; High amount of drug/alcohol problems, generally lower education rate, lower health
Different types of homelessness; E.g. may live in improvised dwellings; tents, sleeping bags etc, may live in shared accommodation, emergency shelter, sleeping on a friends couch
Temporary or permanent homelessness
Only thing in common is vulnerability
Individual Diversity Within Each Group
GLBTI
Diverse group; made up of people who identify as a different or no gender, or different sexualities or sexual orientations
Terms GLBTI exists to collectively describe different sexualities/genders, (Part of community);
Individuals vary→ as group comprises of different types of people, not everyone identifies as all the different sexualities etc
E.g. Gay man belongs and so does female transitioning,but different
Individual Diversity Within Each Group
YOUTH
(10-24) AMA
Encompasses period of adolescence
Different age categories→ may be older youth who have finished high school, or younger who are still in primary school
May be working full time/have part time job
All nationalities, socioeconomic backgrounds, genders etc
Youth may belong to other groups in community; E.g. GLBTI, homeless, disability
E.g. May be an 19 year old female with her own child, but is different to a 13 year old boy starting high school.
Terminology used by the community to describe the group
PEOPLE WITH A DISABILITY
Using words like ‘brave’ are patronising
Saying those without disability are ‘normal’ is offensiv
Using terms such as person with a disability→ reflects understanding of person first, disability second
Positive terminology: Cognitive impairment, mental illness, uses a wheelchair
Negative terminology: Crazy, mentally retarded, crippled, wheelchair bound
Terminology used by the community to describe the group
HOMELESS PEOPLE
Most have stereotypical view. E.g. single man, sleeps on street, dependent on drugs and unwashed
Society tends to generally not identify homeless women, children, families
Society view: Homelessness caused from bushfires (unfortunate), evicted from flat and are relying on centrelink (burden on society)
Positive terminology: Victim, displaced persons, the less fortunate
Negative terminology: Hobo, dirty, drug addict, ‘own fault’
Terminology used by the community to describe the group
GLBTI
Historically society is less tolerant of difference→ so terminology has connection of oppression linked to it
Attitudes have changed for the better→ greater understanding, acceptance
Term: Gay pride→ Encourages positivity, used to express community identity and strength
Positive terminology: Homeosexual, gender diverse, lesbian, gay etc
Negative terminology: Dyke/Lesbo, confused (some people refuse to accept gender diversity), gay if used in a derogatory way indicating ‘gay’ is associated with bad things
Terminology used by the community to describe the group
YOUTH
Adolescent is most common term used to describe the group
Youth use extensive vocab to define other youth; e.g. emo, geeks etc
Positive terminology: Teenager, adolescent, young person
Negative: Twelvies, spoilt, reckless, geeks, emos
Issues of concern for the four specific groups in the community
Satisfaction of needs
Specific needs of each group
SAFETY AND SECURITY- PEOPLE WITH A DISABILITY
May be more vulnerable or abused by other members of community
May be exploited financially/harmed physically by relatives, nursing home staff
Issues of concern for the four specific groups in the community
Satisfaction of needs
Specific needs of each group
SAFETY AND SECURITY- HOMELESS PEOPLE
Vulnerable group→ physical security limited (limited protection from others and environment)
Isolated from family support structure (may be fleeing from families→ escaping violence)
Usually no place to store valuables/personal items→ environment can make them ill, targets of crime or abuse
Issues of concern for the four specific groups in the community
Satisfaction of needs
Specific needs of each group
SAFETY AND SECURITY- GLBTI
Value safe and secure environment, free of discrimination, harassment, violence
Members of community; more likely to experience physical violence, discrimination, bullying etc
Victims of hate crimes, emotional violence (verbal abuse, hate mail etc)
Issues of concern for the four specific groups in the community
Satisfaction of needs
Specific needs of each group
SAFETY AND SECURITY- YOUTH
Young who attend parties where drugs/alcohol are→ likely to experience violence, be attacked
Unrealistic media models→ can leave people disappointed if reality doesn’t match what is portrayed
Financial security: high youth unemployment rates, jobs often part time or casual
Issues of concern for the four specific groups in the community
Satisfaction of needs
Specific needs of each group
HEALTH- PEOPLE WITH A DISABILITY
Varying levels of health problems→ some experience further deterioration with age
Wheelchairs; may get pressure sores, weight gain, cardiac problems (due to limited activity)
Health care needs to be affordable and accessible
If can’t communicate→ problems can arise
If health needs aren’t met→ quality of life/life span affected
Issues of concern for the four specific groups in the community
Satisfaction of needs
Specific needs of each group
HEALTH- HOMELESS PEOPLE
Health issues generally more severe than others→
Infections/mental illnesses→ common
Health issues may cause homelessness→ worsen if left untreated
May have trouble accessing health services→ financial hardship, may not have medicare etc
Issues of concern for the four specific groups in the community
Satisfaction of needs
Specific needs of each group
HEALTH- GLBTI
Lack of GLBTI- sensitive medical care (individuals aren’t accessing appropriate services)
Individuals aren’t always comfortable discussing sexual and health issues in support groups
Cancer: Higher risk of cancers linked to alcohol and smoking, higher rates of anal cancer (gay)
Sexual health: Increased risk taking behaviours; STDs, viruses or HIV/AIDS
Obesity: Higher in lesbians than national average, higher cardiovascular and respiratory disease
Suicide prevention: Individuals have highest rates (14x higher in homosexuals)
Mental health: Higher rates of depression, marginalisation, discrimination
Issues of concern for the four specific groups in the community
Satisfaction of needs
Specific needs of each group
HEALTH- YOUTH
Generally good health vs the aged→ but failure to address aspects of health→ impacts wellbeing
Risk takers→ injured in car accidents, risk health in unsafe sex practices, drug use
Travel overseas; require immunisation and advice on hazards (how to recognise unsafe water)
Issues of concern for the four specific groups in the community
Satisfaction of needs
Specific needs of each group
EDUCATION- PEOPLE WITH A DISABILITY
Early intervention; (strategy to optimise development) → many need it to enhance physical, intellectual, living skills
Education about nature of disability, for person & carers (carers need to be aware of strategies to help them be as independent as possible
Schools; some offer life skills courses, transition to work
Issues of concern for the four specific groups in the community
Satisfaction of needs
Specific needs of each group
EDUCATION- HOMELESS PEOPLE
Stereotypically link homeless with lack of education (not always true) but hard to move beyond poverty without it
Many don’t have money for educational services
To succeed in independent living→ taught basic living skills (hygiene, looking after environment)
May need assistance for strategies to deal with drug/alcohol abuse
Volunteer services; provide opportunities to acquire skills to gain education (improves self esteem)
Issues of concern for the four specific groups in the community
Satisfaction of needs
Specific needs of each group
EDUCATION- GLBTI
Schools implement diversity, anti discrimination and bullying policies→ intended to support/accept all (but young GLBTI may experience some difficulties)
Negative experiences; impact on ability to learn (don’t perceive school as safe environment) → increased dropouts, lowered grades
Educate public; issues of homophobia, gender/sexuality diversity → decrease fear and ignorance
Issues of concern for the four specific groups in the community
Satisfaction of needs
Specific needs of each group
EDUCATION- YOUTH
Usually in school, TAFE, university (those who leave to seek employment→ may have on the job training, learning skills etc)
Education preparing for employment
Positive experiences; contribute to self esteem, sense of identity.
Negative experiences; Develop negative view of abilities (emotional illbeing)
VET education→ enhances employment prospects, decreases time needed for post school studies
Issues of concern for the four specific groups in the community
Satisfaction of needs
Specific needs of each group
SENSE OF IDENTITY- PEOPLE WITH A DISABILITY
Becoming disabled as adult; may experience more difficulties establishing renewed sense of identity
Community involvement improves sense of identity
Issues of concern for the four specific groups in the community
Satisfaction of needs
Specific needs of each group
SENSE OF IDENTITY- HOMELESS PEOPLE
Difficult to meet need→ (generally comes from involvement in work,family life, social activities)
Negative community interactions→ reinforce low self esteem/worth
Some community groups help achieve sense of identity→ E.g.Choir of hard knocks
Issues of concern for the four specific groups in the community
Satisfaction of needs
Specific needs of each group
SENSE OF IDENTITY- GLBTI
Individuals may need time to come to terms with identity→ important they aren’t pressured into revealing gender identity or sexual orientation
Individuals who suppress gender identity and lose sight of sense of identity→ may experience depression,anxiety or feelings of sadness
If family/friends/religious groups aren’t supportive of diversity→ may feel socially isolated
GLBTI community: response to challenges faced by members(provides safety, belonging) → can protect mental health, help feel pride in own identity
Issues of concern for the four specific groups in the community
Satisfaction of needs
Specific needs of each group
SENSE OF IDENTITY- YOUTH
Factors affecting; involvement in school, sport and academic activities, whether they have a job
Formation of relationship with other individual; can change sense of identity
Those with expertise (e.g. in dance, art) find it easier to develop positive sense of identity
Supportive family helps meet need
Leave school, may need to reshape identity→ structures previously restricted to them are no longer
Issues of concern for the four specific groups in the community
Satisfaction of needs
Specific needs of each group
EMPLOYMENT- PEOPLE WITH A DISABILITY
Many find it hard to secure permanent work (nature of disability, education, employers attitudes)
Jobs available in various areas (e.g. hospitality, administration etc) ongoing support may be needed
Some work for organisations supporting disabilities. E.g. Hearing impaired teachers working with hearing impaired children.
Issues of concern for the four specific groups in the community
Satisfaction of needs
Specific needs of each group
EMPLOYMENT- HOMELESS PEOPLE
Most are unemployed
No employment; no income (hard to access basic necessities of life)
Negative factors affect change of gaining/maintaining employment→ low self esteem, lack of social skills, not presented appropriately, lack of basic work skills/education
May face discrimination in workplace→ unkempt appearance, hygiene
Sell Big Issue mag→ social interaction, employment, paid in cash, work own hours
Issues of concern for the four specific groups in the community
Satisfaction of needs
Specific needs of each group
EMPLOYMENT- GLBTI
Diversity doesn’t affect work performance (important they aren’t treated differently)
Anti discrimination laws; prevent discrimination on basis of sexual/gender identity etc
Individuals may still experience harassment/ discrimination in workplace