The Times Australia
The Times World News

.
The Times Real Estate

.

The percentage of Australians with disability has surged in a few years. Here’s why

  • Written by Kelsey Chapman, Research Fellow, Dignity Project, Griffith University

Updated figures show Australia has witnessed a significant surge in disability prevalence, marking a pivotal moment in the nation’s understanding and measurement of disability.

According to the Survey of Disability, Ageing and Carers[1], gathered in 2022, the number of Australians living with a disability increased to 5.5 million[2] or 21.4% of the population.

This is a striking increase from 17.7% in 2018, a figure that had remained relatively consistent for two decades (15% in 1998). The rise was seen across genders, with a notable uptick in the number of people reporting profound or severe disability. The proportion of primary carers with disability also dramatically increased from 32.1% to 43.8%.

So what is driving the increase? Are these numbers truly reflective of reality, or influenced by changes in how data is collected?

About the survey

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) conducts the survey every three years, providing detailed insights into the lives of people with disability, those aged 65 and over, and primary carers.

Released last month, the 2022 survey[3] collected data from over 13,700 households and 1,100 care accommodations and group dwellings between June and the following February.

Although the criteria for defining disability have remained consistent over the years, the latest survey introduced some methodological changes that could have influenced the reported rates.

One of the most significant changes was the introduction of an online participation option, which 41% of households used. This shift to a more private and comfortable mode of data collection may have encouraged disclosure of disability and discussion of sensitive needs.

Nevertheless, this increase likely reflects a more accurate representation of the population. Some argue greater willingness to disclose disability could lead to greater increase than the rates collected over the years. Disability disclosure often limits collection of accurate data, particularly in employment, where up to 56.9% of employed people with disability[4] did not disclose to their employer.

A real increase

Several factors might contribute to the upward trend, including heightened public awareness, better diagnostic criteria, and an increase in long-term health conditions with disabling impacts.

Notably, this survey was the first conducted in the “post-COVID” era. COVID was the leading cause of disease burden globally[5] in 2021, and has lasting health impacts that may contribute to the rising disability rates.

Australia’s ageing population[6] is often cited as a key driver of increasing disability rates.

Older Australians (who made up 17.1% of the population in 2022, up from 15.9% in 2018) have higher disability rates than younger people, with 52.3% of older Australians reporting a disability in 2022, compared to 49.6% in 2018.

Despite the rising number of older Australians with disability, their proportion within the total disabled population actually decreased from 44.5% in 2018 to 41.7% in 2022. So although ageing contributes to the trend, other factors are at play.

Younger people

The most striking increases in disability prevalence were observed among children aged 0–4 years and young people aged 15–24 years. In these groups, prevalence rates jumped from 3.7% and 9.3% in 2018 to 5.7% and 13.9% in 2022, respectively.

One significant contributor to this rise is the increase in autism spectrum disorder diagnoses, which climbed by 41.8%, from 205,200 people in 2018 to 290,900 people in 2022.

Autism is the leading cause of disability[7] for children under 5 years of age and the increase is largely attributed to increased awareness, improved diagnostic criteria[8] and expanded screening efforts. These allow for earlier and more accurate identification of autism, a trend that mirrors global patterns[9].

Increased awareness, changing attitudes

The growing prevalence of disability also signals a broader societal shift. Our research[10] shows community attitudes and education about disability are slowly improving. Most Australians have reasonably positive attitudes about disability[11], although that varies between types of disability.

The gradual shift towards greater inclusion and reduced stigma may lead to more people recognising and reporting disability in surveys like this one.

And this brings with it an obligation for Australia to provide better services, more inclusive public spaces, responsive health-care systems, and greater economic opportunities for people with disability.

Defining disability

Statistics are crucial for understanding trends, but they don’t always capture the full picture. The Survey of Disability, Ageing and Carers[12] defines disability[13] as any “long-term limitation or restriction resulting from an impairment lasting at least six months that impacts daily activities”.

Although widely accepted, this definition has been criticised for perpetuating a deficit-based view of disability.

Many in the disability sector advocate for a strengths-based approach[14], emphasising the mismatch between impairments and the environments in which people live and interact[15].

The language and categories used in surveys can impact response rates and, consequently, prevalence figures. It is important to recognise people with disability have diverse experiences that do not always fit neatly into predefined boxes.

Two people with the same diagnosis may experience vastly different impacts on their lives, shaped by personal, social and environmental[16] influences. Acknowledging this diversity is crucial for developing more nuanced information and shaping policies and services that truly cater to the needs of people with disability.

The trends in this latest survey highlight the complexity of disability and the need for more inclusive and comprehensive approaches to defining and assessing it.

As these trends continue to evolve, exploration and adaptation will be essential to ensure the rights[17] and needs of all people with disability are fully realised.

References

  1. ^ Survey of Disability, Ageing and Carers (www.abs.gov.au)
  2. ^ 5.5 million (www.abs.gov.au)
  3. ^ survey (www.abs.gov.au)
  4. ^ 56.9% of employed people with disability (www.parliament.act.gov.au)
  5. ^ disease burden globally (www.healthdata.org)
  6. ^ ageing population (www.aihw.gov.au)
  7. ^ leading cause of disability (link.springer.com)
  8. ^ improved diagnostic criteria (www.afr.com)
  9. ^ mirrors global patterns (link.springer.com)
  10. ^ research (qdn.org.au)
  11. ^ reasonably positive attitudes about disability (csrm.cass.anu.edu.au)
  12. ^ Survey of Disability, Ageing and Carers (www.abs.gov.au)
  13. ^ disability (theconversation.com)
  14. ^ strengths-based approach (theconversation.com)
  15. ^ live and interact (www.tandfonline.com)
  16. ^ personal, social and environmental (journals.sagepub.com)
  17. ^ rights (www.ohchr.org)

Read more https://theconversation.com/the-percentage-of-australians-with-disability-has-surged-in-a-few-years-heres-why-236230

The Times Features

Best Deals on Home Furniture Online

Key Highlights Discover the best deals on high-quality outdoor furniture online. Transform your outdoor space into a stylish and comfortable oasis. Explore a wide range of d...

Discover the Best Women's Jumpers for Every Season

Key Highlights Explore lightweight jumpers for spring and summer, ensuring breathability and ease. Wrap up warm with cozy wool jumpers for the chilly autumn and winter season...

Uncover the Elegance of Gorgeous Diamond Tennis Necklaces

Key Highlights Diamond tennis necklaces are a timeless piece of jewelry that exudes elegance and sophistication. They feature a continuous line of brilliant-cut diamonds, cre...

Dental Implants vs. Dentures: Which Is Better for You?

When it comes to replacing missing teeth, two of the most common options are dental implants and dentures. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, so choosing between them ...

What Neck Pain Really Means (And Why It’s More Than Just Poor Posture)

Neck pain is often brushed off as something temporary — a tight spot after a long day at the desk or a poor night’s sleep. But when the discomfort keeps returning, it could be a ...

The Work of Gosha Rubchinskiy: Fashion, Culture, and Youth

From Designer to Cultural Architect Gosha Rubchinskiy is not just a fashion designer—he's a cultural force. Born in Moscow in 1984, Rubchinskiy began his career in fashion in t...

Times Magazine

The Essential Guide to Transforming Office Spaces for Maximum Efficiency

Why Office Fitouts MatterA well-designed office can make all the difference in productivity, employee satisfaction, and client impressions. Businesses of all sizes are investing in updated office spaces to create environments that foster collaborat...

The A/B Testing Revolution: How AI Optimized Landing Pages Without Human Input

A/B testing was always integral to the web-based marketing world. Was there a button that converted better? Marketing could pit one against the other and see which option worked better. This was always through human observation, and over time, as d...

Using Countdown Timers in Email: Do They Really Increase Conversions?

In a world that's always on, where marketers are attempting to entice a subscriber and get them to convert on the same screen with one email, the power of urgency is sometimes the essential element needed. One of the most popular ways to create urg...

Types of Software Consultants

In today's technology-driven world, businesses often seek the expertise of software consultants to navigate complex software needs. There are several types of software consultants, including solution architects, project managers, and user experienc...

CWU Assistive Tech Hub is Changing Lives: Win a Free Rollator Walker This Easter!

🌟 Mobility. Independence. Community. All in One. This Easter, the CWU Assistive Tech Hub is pleased to support the Banyule community by giving away a rollator walker. The giveaway will take place during the Macleod Village Easter Egg Hunt & Ma...

"Eternal Nurture" by Cara Barilla: A Timeless Collection of Wisdom and Healing

Renowned Sydney-born author and educator Cara Barilla has released her latest book, Eternal Nurture, a profound collection of inspirational quotes designed to support mindfulness, emotional healing, and personal growth. With a deep commitment to ...

LayBy Shopping