Access Resource Kit (ARK) - Disability Services Commission

PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
Disabilities vary according to individual circumstances, however the following generally
applies.
People who are blind or have vision impairments
People with significant vision loss can be totally blind or have low vision. Some causes of
vision loss are:
• glaucoma;
• diabetes;
• cataract; or
• trauma to the eye through an accident, injury or disease.
People who are deaf or have hearing impairments
People who have a hearing impairment or are deaf can have a hearing loss ranging from
the very mild through to profound. The majority of people have mild hearing impairments
and communicate verbally. People who are profoundly deaf may communicate in Auslan
(Australian Sign Language).
Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy is a term used to describe a number of conditions that cause abnormalities
of movement and posture. The degree of disability can range from minimal to severe.
People with cerebral palsy may also have difficulty in communicating and with mobility.
Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis (MS) affects the central nervous system and interferes with the
transmission of nerve impulses throughout the brain and nervous system.
Symptoms can include sensory changes, muscle weakness, fatigue, pins and needles,
numbness or blurred vision. MS can also affect mobility and muscle coordination, bladder
control, speech, balance, concentration and memory.
Intellectual Disability
For many people who have an intellectual disability the cause is unknown. For others
there may be well described syndromes. The majority of people with an intellectual
disability now live in the wider community, supported by a range of services to meet their
needs.
Intellectual disabilities can occur in various degrees of severity and each person’s abilities
will differ accordingly.
People with Disabilities and Planning for Access (Aust Standards updated February 2011)1.4