Indigenous Australians and the National Disability Insurance Scheme
Appendix 4: Data sources on disability for the Indigenous population
Table A4.1 Data sources on disability for the Indigenous population: Scope, definitions, data items and data quality/gaps
Data source |
Scope/ population |
Time period/frequency of collection |
Definition of disability used |
Disability data items of relevance |
Geographical variables included in data set |
Data quality/ data gaps |
NATSISS |
Indigenous people aged 15 years and over. |
Every 6 years; last survey conducted in 2008 |
Disability or long-term health condition: person has one or more conditions which have lasted, or are likely to last, for six months or more, and that restrict everyday activities. Profound or severe core-activity limitation: person requires help or supervision for one or more core activities, such as self-care, mobility or communication. |
Disability status: Profound or severe core-activity limitation Unspecified limitation or restriction Total with disability or long-term health condition Disability type: Sight, hearing speech Physical Intellectual Psychological Type of restrictions Sight problems Hearing problems Speech problems Blackouts, fits or loss of consciousness Difficulty learning or understanding things Limited use of arms or fingers Difficulty gripping things Limited use of legs or feet Any condition that restricts physical activity or physical work Any disfigurement or deformity Shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing Chronic or recurring pain A nervous or emotional condition Long term effects as a result of a head injury, stroke or other brain damage |
State/Territory Remoteness (ASGC) State/Territory by ASGC (selected cross-classifications where sample size permits) |
Detailed disability data only collected in non-remote areas: Additional criteria were used to identify people with disability in remote areas, meaning that the common criteria (remote + non-remote) is not strictly comparable between the 2002 and the 2008 surveys, or with non-Indigenous. As a result, analysis of comparisons with the 2002 NATSISS and with non-Indigenous Australians are restricted to persons living in non-remote areas only (using the broader criteria). Disability data items only collected for persons aged 15 years and over. Survey only conducted every six years. Non-Indigenous comparisons available from 2007–08 NHS and 2006 GSS. |
Any other long-term condition that requires treatment or medication Any other long-term condition. Whether has education restriction due to disability, and type of employment restriction. Whether has employment restriction due to disability, and type of education restriction |
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Census |
Total Australian population |
5 yearly 2006 most recent data available. 2011 will be available in late 2012 |
Core activity need for assistance. |
Disability status: Has core activity need for assistance Does not have core activity need for assistance |
State/Territory Remoteness (ASGC) SLA SDD SD Postcode State/Territory by ASGC |
Disability question included for first time in 2006 Census, so no time series. Census does not include questions on type of disability or impact measures. Census only conducted every five years. |
SDAC |
Total Australian population |
6 yearly 2009 most recent. |
Any limitation, restriction or impairment which restricts everyday activities and has lasted or is likely to last for at least six months. This definition includes a range of conditions that result in mild to profound limitations. |
Disability status: Has disability and profoundly limited in core activities Has disability and severely limited in core activities Has disability and moderately limited in core activities Has disability and mildly limited in core activities Has disability and not limited in core activities but restricted in schooling or employment Has disability and not limited in core activities or restricted in schooling or employment Has a long-term health condition without disability No long-term health condition |
State/Territory Remoteness (ASGC) |
Indigenous sample size very small and data not considered to be reliable for reporting (Indigenous data item not included on CURF). Does not include very remote areas. Survey only conducted every six years. |
Data definitions align with the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health. |
or disability Disability type Loss of sight Loss of hearing Speech difficulties Breathing difficulties Chronic or recurrent pain or discomfort Blackouts, fits or loss of consciousness Learning or understanding difficulties Incomplete use of arms or fingers Difficulty gripping or holding things Incomplete use of feet or legs Nervous or emotional condition Restricted in physical activities or work Disfigurement or deformity Mental illness Receiving treatment Other type of restriction Conditions Main condition causing disability Cause of main condition Impact measures: Level of assistance needed with day to day tasks (listed) because of disability Broad area of activity where assistance is required or difficulty is experienced Specific types of activity where assistance is required or difficulty is experienced |
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Whether additional aids are needed Whether receives assistance (formal/informal) with broad area activity Frequency of need for assistance Whether needs more formal/informal assistance |
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NATSIHS |
Indigenous population (all ages) |
6 yearly 2004-05 most recent |
Long-term health condition. |
Whether has long-term health condition |
State/Territory Remoteness (ASGC) State/Territory by ASGC (selected cross-classifications where sample size permits) |
No specific data items for disability - survey is not able to distinguish between persons with a long term health condition without a disability. Survey only conducted every six years. |
Disability services NMDS |
Users of disability support services where funding has been provided by a government organisation operating under the NDA. |
Annual. Most recent data available 2009–10 |
Need for assistance in nine activity areas (ICF compliant). |
Total number of disability support service users. Disability group (primary and other significant): Type of assistance provided (high level categories): Accommodation support Community support Community access Respite Employment Type of assistance provided (specific categories): Support needed: Activities of daily living Activities of work, education and community living Activities of independent living Amount of assistance (hours) |
Client: State/Territory ASGC Postcode Provider: Postcode SLA Sector |
The DS NMDS does not currently contain data on outcomes of services received; however, the DS NMDS is currently being redeveloped and will include such information in the future. Potential population is defined as people aged under 65 years with profound or severe core activity limitation. |
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