Survey of people in Northern Ireland with activity limitations and disabilities

The Northern Ireland Statistics & Research Agency has published new figures for disability in Northern Ireland.

A NISRA spokesperson said: “The figures published today are a rapid release of the overall prevalence rates of disability amongst the Northern Ireland household population. They are the results of the Northern Ireland Survey of people with Activity Limitations and Disabilities (NISALD) which was conducted throughout 2006 / 07.

“This survey used a broad definition of disability. In addition to limitations in daily living that would be commonly associated with disability, this definition also encompassed the impacts of long-term illnesses and conditions.

“NISALD is the largest household survey to be undertaken by NISRA and it will provide a rich source of information giving rise to further detailed analyses over the coming months and, indeed, years. This bulletin, therefore, represents only the first of many bulletins and reports which will emanate from this survey.”

• Results from the Northern Ireland Survey of people with Activity Limitations and Disabilities (NISALD) show that 18% of the Northern Ireland population of all ages living in private households face limitations in their daily living as a consequence of a disability or long term condition.
• Almost two out of every five households in Northern Ireland include at least one person with a limiting disability.
• More than one-fifth (21%) of adults in Northern Ireland have at least one disability. Amongst children, 6% are affected by a disability.
• There is a clear increase in disability with age, rising to 60% amongst those aged 75 and above. Indeed, amongst the very elderly, aged 85 and above, two-thirds are living with a disability or disabilities.
• Females, generally, have a higher prevalence of disability than males. Almost one-quarter (23%) of adult females living in Northern Ireland households indicated that they had some degree of disability, compared with around one-fifth (19%) of adult males.
• However, amongst the very youngest within Northern Ireland’s households, the prevalence of disability is higher amongst boys than amongst girls. Around 8% of boys aged 15 and under were found to have a disability, compared with 4% of girls of the same age.
• The most common types of disabilities reported by adults were associated with chronic illnesses, pain, mobility difficulties and dexterity difficulties. Amongst children, the most common types of disabilities were linked with chronic illnesses, learning difficulties and social / behavioural difficulties.

Background

This survey was commissioned in 2004 following the completion of a review of existing sources of information on disability in Northern Ireland. The aim of that review was to take stock of existing information on people with disabilities in Northern Ireland, identify gaps in this information and make recommendations on how to fill these gaps. The primary recommendation was to carry out a comprehensive survey on the prevalence of disability in Northern Ireland and the experiences and socio-economic circumstances of people with disabilities in Northern Ireland.

NISALD

The main aim of NISALD is to provide an up-to-date, accurate picture on the prevalence and circumstances of people with a disability in Northern Ireland today. The results will also provide information on the type, severity and prevalence of disability, socio-economic characteristics and experiences and barriers in society experienced by people with disabilities.

Questionnaires were developed through comprehensive consultations with representatives from all government departments and relevant voluntary and community sector organisations. The questionnaires include an initial series of questions establishing the type, nature and severity of disabilities. The survey also includes sections dedicated to collecting information on the socio-economic characteristics of the respondents and their perceptions of the environment in which they live. A number of further bulletins will be produced providing fuller analysis from this rich source of information.

In addition to collecting information on residents of private households, NISALD will also examine the prevalence of disability in communal establishments; fieldwork for this is currently underway for this element. Results for communal establishments will be published in a later bulletin.

Notes to Editors:

Media enquiries should be directed to the DFP Press Office on tel: 028 9052 7378.

General information can be obtained from Carly Niblock, NISRA Regional Reporting and EU Programmes Branch, tel: 028 9034 8136.

An electronic copy of the bulletin is available from the NISRA Equality website .