Written answers

Wednesday, 27 September 2006

Department of An Taoiseach

National Disability Survey

8:00 pm

Photo of Finian McGrathFinian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 214: To ask the Taoiseach the reason the national disability survey 2006 has no box or section in relation to standards and quality of disability services particularly in relation to health and education. [29242/06]

Photo of Tom KittTom Kitt (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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The National Disability Survey (NDS) is currently being undertaken by the CSO. The survey broadly follows the definitions and principles outlined in the World Health Organization's International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). The survey questionnaires were finalised by the CSO in conjunction with a Consultative Group comprising representatives from Government Departments, the National Disability Authority, and organisations working within the disability sector. Advice was also received from a broad range of other organisations and experts, both national and international.

The overall objective of the Survey is to provide a more comprehensive picture of persons reporting a disability in the Census of Population through an analysis of such factors as: the type of disability, the degree of severity, the ability to use transport and the built environment, and the extent to which people with a disability are enabled to participate in education, employment, and social life. The survey also collects an extensive range of information on aids and supports that people use or need but do not have. Examples of such aids include: voice amplifier; computer or keyboard; speech and language therapy; learning support software; medical services; counselling; psychotherapist; addiction services; relaxation techniques; and nebulisers.

The section on education identifies whether people need(ed) modified building features to attend school or college; specific supports or aids to follow their course (such as personal assistants; note-takers; adjustments to the curriculum and talking books). That section also identifies whether people stopped their education sooner than intended.

The focus of the survey is therefore on persons with disabilities and not directly on the standard and quality of the disability services provided. The data collected in the survey will, however, provide many indications of the extent to which the various needs of persons with disabilities are currently being met or not.

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