1200.0.55.001 - Disability Variables, 2006  
ARCHIVED ISSUE Released at 11:30 AM (CANBERRA TIME) 03/10/2006  First Issue
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There is an increasing demand for statistics on disability and need for assistance. The inclusion of questions on these topics in the 2006 Census reflects the increasing demand for, and interest in, disability issues. In response to this demand, the ABS has developed the following variables: 'Severity of disability' and 'Core activity need for assistance'. 'Severity of disability' identifies the number of people in a survey population who have a disability or a need for assistance with core activities, namely, mobility, self care and communication, and the degree to which that need or disability limits the person's ability to attend to those core activities for him or herself. 'Core activity need for assistance' identifies the number of people with a profound or severe disability, by means of questions on the person's need for assistance with core activities, namely, mobility, self care and communication, and a question on the reason or reasons the person requires that assistance.