Disabled people and their needs

Abstract

A degree of confusion and inconsistency became apparent in reading the literature concerning both need and disability. Need was discussed as a relative concept, but statements were also reproduced about 'true' or 'real' needs. Need is viewed as a relative concept in this thesis and needs seen as abstractions rather than concrete facts. Disability, together with similar terms such as impairment, handicap, disablement and incapacity are defined and used in a variety of ways by different authors. To avoid the confusion brought about by inconsistent usage of these terms, disability is viewed as occurring along a continuum; as a condition relative to particular norms rather than definable in absolute terms. For the purposes of this thesis, it is seen in terms of increasing difficulty with the tasks of everyday living. Both need and disability are thus considered relative concepts. These concepts are linked through a discussion of disability in terms of a particular classification of need; that proposed by Jonathan Bradshaw (1972). The categories of this classification, namely normative need, felt need, expressed need and comparative need, provide the main framework for the discussion. Within each of these categories, a secondary framework is adopted, according to which needs are discussed in relation to particular areas of living, such as employment. This secondary framework is then used in considering the implications of the foregoing discussion for the provision of services for disabled people in New Zealand. In many areas, a range of services is outlined, varying along a continuum from minimal support to total care. This matches the range of disabling conditions people may have, producing effects varying from minimal difficulty to extreme difficulty with everyday life. The final section deals with the usefulness of Bradshaw's classification in investigating the needs of disabled people in this thesis. Some indication as to how it could be modified for use in further research is also given.