Overview

Disabilities infographic - if you require an accessible version or a transcript please email info@gcph.co.uk

The way in which 'disability' is defined varies but generally involves the presence of a long-term health condition that limits daily activities. In the Scottish Census of 2011, approximately 20% of all Scots reported having a long-term health problem or disability that limits their day-to-day activities either 'a little' or 'a lot'.

Click on our infographic on the right for an overview.


Percentage of people with day-to-day activities limited by long-term health problem or disability, Scotland, 2011 Scotland disability by age group 2011

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In Glasgow, 10% reported having a long-term health problem or disability that limits their day-to-day activities 'a little', and 13% reported that their condition limited them 'a lot'.

Percentage of people with day-to-day activities limited by long-term health problem or disability, Glasgow, 2011 Glasgow disability by age 2011

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In Glasgow, as well as in Scotland as a whole, there is a clear correlation between age and the prevalence of disability. Glasgow has the highest level of disability across age groups when comparing to other Scottish cities.

The Annual Population Survey's disability category includes people aged 16-64 with a long-term condition which substantially limits their day-to-day activities (Equality Act Core disabled), and those who have a long-term disability which affects the kind or amount of work they might do (work-limiting disabled). Using this definition, 24% of Glasgow's working age population has a disability, which is a higher prevalence than in other, comparable UK cities. For further details and comparisons of the prevalence of disability among 16-64 year olds, follow this link to the page the pages on working age disability. 

Another way of estimating the number of people unable to work due to disability is by looking at recipients of Employment and Support Allowance (ESA). For further details and comparisons, follow this link to the page on ESA and incapacity benefits.

The UK-wide Family Resources Survey (FRS) in 2004/5 found an overall prevalence of disability in childhood of 7.3%, as defined by the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA). The rate for Scotland was slightly higher at 8.5%. The majority of children with a disability defined this way are found in the 12-15 age group, and the most prevalent disabilities are those affecting memory, concentration and learning. See the page on childhood disability  and on learning disabilities for further details and information.  

In 2019, 1266 children in Glasgow attended schools that provide additional support for learning (ASL).

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