Attachments
Key points
(1) The nation’s disability rate (comprised of those with mild, moderate and severe disabilities) is 4.6%; this figure represents 2,311,250 individuals. The rate is slightly higher for females at 4.8%, when compared to males (4.4%).
(2) For all four functional domains (seeing, hearing, walking and remembering/concentrating), the disability prevalence rate rises steadily after age 39. As the percentage of older adults increases over time, so does the number of persons with disabilities, which is expected to increase by 36% by 2035. This fact needs to be considered when Government and stakeholders plan policies and programs to improve the living conditions of persons with disabilities.
(3) Across the four functional domains, the disability prevalence rates are higher in rural areas. A more challenging physical environment and a lack of services (e.g., rehabilitation centres) may be two explanatory factors.
(4) According to the 2014 Census, when compared to the population without disabilities, fewer persons with disabilities are married and, while still relatively rare, more report a divorce, separation or renouncement.
For the population aged 35-39, 4.4% of all females with disabilities were divorced, separated or renounced; the proportion is 2.8% for females without disabilities. Among men in this age group, the proportions are 5.5% and 3.2% respectively. These facts may point to issues with isolation, stress, and social and economic hardship.
(5) Many persons with disabilities (48.3%) are living in an extended household. However, some are living alone, and it is these individuals who are particularly vulnerable and in need of prioritized services.
(6) Both boys and girls with disabilities are less likely to attend or to have attended school than are children without disabilities. Among children aged 5 to 13 years who do not have a disability, 12.7% have never attended school. This rate is more than three times higher at 38.7% among children of the same age who report a disability. Addressing teacher training and the physical accessibility of schools may help to address this educational disparity going forward.
(7) Just over two-thirds of males aged 15 and older with a disability (68.2%) report either no education or grades 1 to 5; this figure is 81.1% for females aged 15 and older with a disability. By contrast, almost half (49.4%) of males aged 15 and older without a disability report either no education or grades 1 to 5; the figure is 58.2% for females aged 15 and older without a disability. Education is essential if persons with disabilities are to fulfill their potential and to play an active role in the social and economic development of the country.
(8) Labour force participation is lower for males and females with disabilities when compared to the populations without disabilities. For example, the labour force participation rate is 22.9% for males and females with a moderate/severe walking disability; this rate is 67.6% for males and females without a disability. This could be addressed through more workplace-specific disability employment policies, school-to-work transition programs and employer education.
(9) With less formal education and lower employment rates, it is not surprising that the 2014 Census data show a higher disability prevalence rate amongst those in the lowest wealth index quintile.1
(10) Persons with disabilities face barriers and obstacles that can impede their access to services. The creation of a disability-friendly infrastructure and inclusive services could help to remove these barriers.