2006 Disability Survey

Embargoed until 10:45am – 10 October 2007

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Highlights

In 2006, 82 percent of people with disability were adults living in households, 5 percent were adults living in residential facilities and 14 percent were children (under 15 years) living in households.
The percentage of people with disability increased with age, from 10 percent for children aged less than 15 years to 45 percent for adults aged 65 years and over.
An estimated 5 percent of children had special education needs and this was the most common disability type for children. Chronic conditions or health problems and psychiatric or psychological disabilities were the next most common disability types.
Conditions or health problems that existed at birth and disease or illness were the most common causes of disability for children.
The most common disability types for adults were physical and sensory disabilities.
Disease or illness, and accidents or injuries were the most common causes of disability for adults. The most common type of accident or injury causing disability was one that occurred at work.
Nearly all adults living in residential care facilities reported having a disability (99.7 percent) and most had multiple disabilities (94 percent) and high support needs (82 percent).

Geoff Bascand	10 October 2007
Government Statistician	ISBN 978-0478-31501-1