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Planning services for the intellectually handicapped in North Canterbury
The New Zealand Medical Journal
|February 28, 1979
Summary
A survey identified 2330 intellectually handicapped (IH) individuals in North Canterbury, revealing a higher prevalence rate than previously recorded. This highlights the need for improved service provision and inter-agency collaboration for intellectual disability care.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Disability Services
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Multiple agencies now provide services for the intellectually handicapped (IH).
- A multi-agency, multi-disciplinary working party was formed to address service provision challenges.
- Previous surveys indicated a lower prevalence rate in New Zealand.
Purpose of the Study:
- To survey all intellectually handicapped (IH) persons in the North Canterbury region.
- To assess existing problems in service provision for IH individuals.
- To compare the prevalence rate in North Canterbury with national figures.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive survey of all IH individuals in the defined geographical area.
- Multi-agency and multi-disciplinary collaboration in data collection and analysis.
- Prevalence rate calculation based on the surveyed population.
Main Results:
- A total of 2330 intellectually handicapped (IH) persons were identified in the North Canterbury area.
- The prevalence rate was found to be 3.94 per 1000 population.
- This rate is substantially higher than the previously reported New Zealand figure of 3.29 per 1000.
Conclusions:
- The North Canterbury region has a higher prevalence of intellectual disability than previously estimated.
- Enhanced inter-agency communication, understanding, and support are crucial for effective service delivery.
- Initiatives like workshops, a parents committee, and information exchange systems are vital for supporting the IH community.