Speak Out Feb 2017

1.1 million Australians with disability use communication aids including hearing aids.

Policy & advocacy

What type of communication aids are used?

Estimate by ‘000

Electronic communication aids Reading or writing aids

45.9 10.5

Speaking aids Email or internet

310.0

Non-electronic communication aids Reading or writing aids

50.2 21.1

Speaking aids

Reading, writing or speaking aid not specified

108.1

Hearing aid

701.6

The 2015 Survey of Disability, Ageing and Carers by the Australian Bureau of Statistics presents key information about disability in Australia as well as data about older Australians (those aged more than 65). Here are some of the key facts and figures from the 2015 survey: • There were 4.3 million Australians with disability - nearly one in five people. The 2015 Survey of Disability, Ageing and Carers

Cochlear implant Other hearing aids

10.2 48.9

Service use Generally, the need for communication assistance increases with age. To read the full survey results visit the ABS webpage. www.abs.gov.au

Where do people with disability live?

1 in 5 Australians have a disability

11.7%

18.3%

• Reported rates of social participation for people with disability declined with age. • Almost 1/3 of people with disability had a profound or severe disability. • Around 3 in 5 people with disability (living in households) needed assistance with at least one activity of daily life. • Around half of people with disability used aids or equipment to help with their disability.

14.6%

22.9%

18.1%

18.5%

16.2% ACT

How is communication defined? The SDAC describes communication as comprising of: • understanding family or friends • being understood by family or friends • understanding strangers • being understood by strangers.

25.8%

19

February 2017 www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

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