core activity limitation: core activities are communication, mobility and self-care. For core activity limitations, the Australian Bureau of Statistics Survey of Disability, Ageing and Carers (ABS SDAC) provides information on four levels of severity – profound limitation (people with the greatest need for help or who are unable to do an activity); severe limitation (people who sometimes need help and/or have difficulty); moderate limitation (people who need no help but have difficulty); mild limitation (people who need no help and have no difficulty, but use aids or have limitations).
disability: in the ABS SDAC, a person is considered to have disability if they have at least one of a list of limitations, restrictions or impairments, which has lasted, or is likely to last, for at least 6 months and restricts everyday activities. The severity of disability is further defined according to the degree of assistance or supervision required in core activities – self-care, mobility, and communication – and grouped for mild, moderate, severe, and profound limitation. People with disability can also be identified as having a schooling or employment restriction.
Australian Bureau of Statistics Survey of Disability, Ageing and Carers glossary