Disability Support Pension New Customer Focus Groups

Abstract

In February and March 2004, FaCS conducted a quantitative study of people who had been granted the Disability Support Pension (DSP) between August and November 2003. The study aimed to provide a systematic, quantitative analysis of new DSP recipients’ characteristics, their disability and impairment status, labour market histories and aspirations, educational and training backgrounds, pathways onto income support and their service needs. Maximum quotas were planned so that no more than 50 per cent of the sample in each age group would be from amongst those with the most prevalent disability type. As a complement to the quantitative survey, FaCS also proposed a focus group study to explore qualitatively what made DSP customers apply for the DSP, their capacities and aspirations for community participation, work and education and training, their perceptions of the information received and the kinds of information, assistance and service support they would find helpful in meeting their aspirations. FaCS was also interested in the focus groups exploring the benefits of participation and the barriers preventing or discouraging participation.