Disability: key points

• Disability is difficult to define and, therefore, the prevalence of disability is difficult to measure; however, it is critical to do both for reasons of policy, service provision and planning.

• It is important to understand the different definitions, and perceptions, of disability. 'Individual' definitions focus on the person and their impairment and functioning, whereas 'social' definitions emphasise the restriction imposed upon the person by their social and physical environment.

• The 2001 census showed that one in five of the Scottish population perceived themselves as having a long-term limiting illness, health problem or disability.

• In 2004, 10% of the working aged population of Scotland were classed as unable to work due to illness/disability (in receipt of incapacity benefit/severe disability allowance)