Autism Action Plan

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S75 Equality And Good Relations Screening Form

General Information: Project and Plan.

This is a new project and plan.

Operational Area: Leisure & Development

Title: Autism Action Plan

Brief Summary:

Council is working to adopt and put in place an Autism Action Plan to make the council more Autism friendly. The aim of the action plan is to create better opportunities for autistic people and to make those opportunities more accessible.

What is it trying to achieve? (intended aims and outcomes)

Aims

To identify current baseline for autism actions in CCGBC Leisure Services/Health and Wellbeing Unit.
To deliver comprehensive awareness training for frontline staff.
To eliminate barriers, increase and improve access to services / leisure activities promoting social inclusion.
To implement inclusive communication for people with autism.

Outcomes

Identify barriers and implement reasonable adjustments.
Site specific 3-year action plan at JDLC, Autism Impact Award.
Train 25 staff in JDLC on autism awareness.
Greater awareness and understanding from staff training on the key characteristics of autism and its impact on an individual using our services.
Development of key strategies to support customers when using leisure facilities.
Improve awareness and understanding of autism.

Who owns and who implements each element of the function, service, policy, procedure, project, strategy, plan or guidance?

Councillors will have a governance roll.

CCGBC working group has overall coordination of actions.

Northern/Western Autism Forums act as advisory panels.

Diversity Champion has permanent membership in the governance panel and will have a key
promotional role of actions.

Sport and Wellbeing Manager to lead and roll out autism actions across the council area/leisure services.

Autism coordinator to monitor and review actions.

Council staff to support service users and make any reasonable adjustments as necessary.

Other policies etc. which have a bearing on this function, service, policy, procedure, project, strategy, plan or guidance?

Strategies:

Health and Wellbeing Strategy.
Sport and Wellbeing Strategy.
Safeguarding Policy.
DoH Interim Autism Strategy (2021-22).
A further 5-year co-produced cross departmental strategy is being developed.
Equality Scheme (renewed 202).
Equality Action Plan (2019-2023).
Every Customer Counts Policy.
Information Governance Policies & Procedures.
Local Government Code of Conduct.

Studies, Publications, Statistics and Guidance:

Northern Ireland Statistics & Research Agency – Census 2011.
NINIS, Census 2011.
Autism Act (NI) 2011.
The first Northern Ireland Autism Strategy 2013-2020 published in 2014.
Autism Amendment Act (2022) which received Royal Ascent in April 2022.
Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2004.
2021 NI Census / when results become available.

Available Evidence

Evidence to help inform the screening process may take many forms. Public authorities should ensure that their screening decision is informed by relevant data.
What evidence/information (both qualitative and quantitative have you gathered to inform this function, service, policy, procedure, project, strategy, plan or guidance? Specify details for relevant Section 75 categories.

It is proposed that all Section 75 categories will be considered via:

Quantitative evidence has been sourced via the NI Census in 2011 and the Northern Ireland Life and Times Survey 2020.
Autism NI figures estimate there to be 30,000 autistic individuals/families in Northern Ireland.

Section 75 Category Details of Evidence/Information:

Mid-year 2020 NISRA statistics detailed the usual resident population of Causeway Coast & Glens Local Government District to be 144,900, accounting for 7.6% of the N.I. total. Statistical information with regards to the Districts makeup and individuals therein was also reviewed.
It is also clear that the majority of our borough is rural in composition and therefore the specific needs of those individuals must be considered during screening.

Religious Beliefs

The 2021 Census outlined:

Religion / religion brought up in:
Census 2021 CC&G Borough Council Northern Ireland
Roman Catholic 40.21% 45.14%
Protestant & Other Christian
(including Christian related) 54.79% 48.36%
Other Religions 0.65% 0.92%
None/Not stated 4.35% 5.58%

Staff breakdown by Religious Belief / Community Background   (Figures as at 21 October 2021)
Religious Belief /
Community Background Gender Number of Staff
Roman Catholic Male 123 (19.52%)
Female 122 (19.37%)
Protestant Male 218 (34.60%)
Female    131 (20.79%)
Non-Determined Male 17 (2.70%)
Female 19 (3.02%)
Total 630

In terms of religion or religion brought up in the 2011 Census indicates that our resident’s religious beliefs are comparable to those in Northern Ireland in that there are 2 predominant groupings ie Roman Catholic and Protestant. However, we also have a number of individuals (5.64%) who do not practice a specific religion or who do not wish to be grouped into a specific religion. In addition, we have a small number of individuals who practice other religions.

However, religious belief is not going to be monitored and it does not have a bearing on the action plan.

Political Opinion

The Northern Ireland Life and Times Survey (2020) provides the following information on the political parties people in Northern Ireland feel closest to (this information is not available at Council level) :

DUP/Democratic Unionist Party 23
Sinn Féin 11
Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) 11
Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) 14
Alliance Party 28
Green Party 4
Other Party 2
None of these 3
Don't know 3

However, political opinion is not going to be monitored and it does not have a bearing on the action plan.

Racial Group

On Census Day 27th March 2011 the resident population was:

Census 2011 CC&G Borough Council Northern Ireland
White 98.97% 98.21%
Irish Traveller 0.03% 0.07%
Mixed 0.25% 0.33%
Indian 0.16% 0.34%
Pakistani 0.03% 0.06%
Bangladeshi 0.01% 0.03%
Other Asian 0.15% 0.28%
Black Caribbean 0.01% 0.02%
Black African 0.01% 0.13%
Other Black 0.01% 0.05%
Chinese 0.24% 0.35%
Other ethnic group 0.09% 0.13%

Staff breakdown by Racial Group / Ethnic Origin (Figures as at 21 October 2021)
Racial Group / Ethnic Origin Gender Number of Staff Percentage
Mixed Ethnic Group Male - -
Female 1 0.16%
Other Male 1 0.16%
Female 1 0.16%
White / White European Male 325 51.59%
Female 237 37.62%
Unknown Male 32 5.08%
Female 33 5.23%
Total 630 100%

Language translation available upon request. Google translate.

For ethnic minorities whose first language is not English information will be included on the council website that has a translation tool to support individuals to view and read information in their preferred language.

Offer information to be provided in alternative formats to suit individual needs upon request. Google translate.

Reach out to representative groups when required.

Work in partnership with other councils and statutory organisations.

Age

Age: (Mid Year 2020) (NISRA statistics)

CC&G Borough Council Northern Ireland
Under 15    28,600 (19.74%) 395,800 (20.88%)
16 - 64     89,200 (61.56%) 1,179,700 (62.24%)
65 - 84     23,900 (16.49%) 280,600 (14.80%)
85 and over    3,200 (2.21%) 39,400 (2.08%)
TOTAL Population       144,900 1,895,500

Mid-Year population estimates 2020 - NISRA By Council Area

Council     0-15 16-64       65-84     85 and over     TOTAL
Antrim & Newtownabbey     29800    89400    21500 3000    143700
Ards & North Down       30000        97000    31000    4100    162100
Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon     48900    134200 30200 4000    217300
Belfast       68200    223100     43800 7400 342500
Causeway Coast & Glens     28600    89200       23900    3200         144900
Derry City & Strabane        32700 94900    21100       2400       151100
Fermanagh & Omagh     25400    71400         18000       2500 117300
Lisburn & Castlereagh    29600    91000    22600         3300      146500
Mid & East Antrim    26800    85700       23600        3300     139400
Mid Ulster        34800    92200    19300    2700    149000
Newry, Mourne & Down        41000    111600     25600        3500    181700
                  1895500

Staff breakdown by Age (Figures as at 21 October 2021)
Age Group Number of staff Percentage
22-29 17 2.70%
30-34 33 5.24%
35-39 64 10.16%
40-44 81 12.86%
45-49 111 17.62%
50-54 112 17.78%
55-59 99 15.71%
60-64 84 13.33%
65-120 29 4.60%
Total 630 100%

There are actions included in the plan to support all age groups.

Different activities support different range of age groups.

Autism NI figures estimate there to be 30,000 autistic individuals/families in Northern Ireland.

We know that 4.7% of the school aged population (14,019) are autistic but we don’t have accurate data for adults. The NI Census 2021 for the first time has collected data on autism in households which will hopefully give us a clearer picture going forward when published.

The action plan includes supportive measures for example JAM card and fast track access to facilities.

A person with Autism will have a Communication Passport to be held outlining their specific needs or sensitivities.

Pictorial explanations and easy read. Is there a grouping which may have additional needs.

The older age group may see an improvement due to increased activity options.

It is anticipated the action plan and associated outcomes will demonstrate a positive impact on all ages.

Marital Status

Marital status by former legacy Council area (most recent figures available from Census 2011):

Census 2011 Ballymoney BC Coleraine BC   Limavady BC Moyle DC
Single 32.68% 34.78% 36.64% 34.96%
Married 52.52% 48.88% 48.94% 49.03%
Civil Partnership 0.07% 0.06% 0.08% 0.08%
Separated 3.13% 3.15% 3.58% 3.66%
Divorced/Civil
Partnership Dissolved 5.23% 6.13% 4.99%   5.11%
Widowed/Surviving
Civil Partner 6.39%   7.00% 5.78% 7.15%

Staff breakdown by Marital Status (Figures as at 21 October 2021)
Marital Status Number of staff Percentage
Divorced 13 2.06%
Married \ Civil Partnership 346 54.92%
Other 20 3.17%
Separated 12 1.91%
Single 170 26.98%
Widowed 2 0.32%
Unknown 67 10.64%
Total 630 100%

The action plan and associated outcomes are available to all regardless of marital status.

To date there is no evidence to show a detriment or benefit to any group within the Section 75 category.

Sexual Orientation

There are no specific figures available on how many people may be Gay, Lesbian, Bi-sexual or Trans-gender or Trans-sexual (LGBT) specific to the Council area.
The Northern Ireland Life and Times Survey (2020) provides the following information on the sexual orientation of people in Northern Ireland (this information is not available at local government level):
%
I am ‘gay’ or ‘lesbian’ (homosexual) 3
I am heterosexual or ‘straight’ 94
I am bi-sexual 2
Other 1

In addition the NI Rainbow Project estimates between 6-10% of any given population could be considered as LGBT.

The action plan and associated outcomes are available to all regardless of sexual orientation.

To date there is no evidence to show a detriment or benefit to any group within the Section 75 category.

Men and Women Generally

Gender: (Mid-Year 2020 Population Estimates)2

CC&G Borough Council Northern Ireland
Male 71,839 (49.6%) 934,155 (49.3%)
Female 73,104 (50.4%) 961,355 (50.7%)

Staff breakdown by Gender (Figures as at 21 October 2021)
Gender Number of staff Percentage
Male 358 56.83%
Female 272 43.17%
Total 630 100%

Figures extracted from the 2021/22 Northern Ireland School Census show that 14,019 school aged children had been diagnosed with autism. This represents an estimated autism prevalence rate 4.7% within the school aged population.

Males were almost 3 times more likely to have a diagnosis of autism than females. In the information derived from the 2021/22 Northern Ireland School Census, 6.9% of males were identified with autism compared with 2.4% of females. This ratio is similar to that reported by the National Autistic Society (NAS) who have stated the most recent estimate for male-to-female autism ratio is nearer to 3:1.

The NI Census 2021 has collected data on autism in households which will hopefully give us a clearer picture going forward when published. This screening will be reviewed based on the statistics when available.

The plan and associated support mechanisms will support all genders.

Dependants

The Census information in 2011 showed:
People With or Without Dependents

Census 2011 CC&G Borough Council Northern Ireland
Number of households 54,970 721,860
Households with
dependent children 15,597 (28.37%) 261,251 (36.19%)

The action plan and associated outcomes are available to all regardless of whether they have or do not have dependents.

To date there is no evidence to show a detriment or benefit to any group within the Section 75 category.

Disability

People with a Disability/People Without: People with a long term condition/illness by former legacy Council area (most recent figures available from Census 2011):

Census 2011    Ballymoney BC Coleraine BC    Limavady BC       Moyle DC
People with a long term condition/illness 30.6% 31.31%       31.05%     31.68%
People Without 69.4%    68.69%    68.95%    68.32%

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council Long Term Condition:

Mobility or dexterity 19%
Long term pain or discomfort 17%
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing 14%
A chronic illness 11%
Deafness or partial hearing loss 9%
An emotional, psychological or mental health condition 9%
Other condition 9%
A learning, intellectual or social behaviour difficulty 3%
Frequent periods of confusion or memory loss 3%
Blindness or partial sight 3%
Communication difficulty 3%

Source: NINIS, Census 2011, KS302NI
Notes:
1. ‘Communication difficulty’ means a difficulty with speaking or making yourself understood.
2. ‘A mobility or dexterity difficulty’ means a condition that substantially limits one or more basic physical activities such as walking, climbing stairs, lifting or carrying.
3. ‘An emotional, psychological or mental health condition’ includes conditions such as depression or schizophrenia.
4. ‘Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing’ includes conditions such as asthma.
5. ‘A chronic illness’ includes illnesses such as cancer, HIV, diabetes, heart disease or epilepsy.
6. ‘Long-term’ refers to a condition which has lasted, or is expected to last, at least 12 months.

Staff breakdown by Disability (Figures as at 21 October 2021)

With or Without a Disability Number of staff Percentage
With 14 2.22%
Without 616 97.78%
Total 630 100%

This action plan and associated outcomes will have a positive impact on the Section 75 category.

Council will strive to support individuals with autism to exercise and socialise in our facilities.

Screening Questions

1. What is the likely impact on equality of opportunity for those affected by this function, service, policy, procedure, project, strategy, plan or guidance?

Section 75 Category - Positive impact (it could benefit), Neutral or Negative impact (it could disadvantage)

Gender
Women     Neutral impact
Men Neutral impact
Transgender men/women Neutral impact

Reason: It is unlikely that the action plan will have a differential impact on equality of opportunity between different genders.

Race
The categories used in the Race section are those used in the 2011 census. Consideration should be given to the needs of specific communities within the broad categories.

Asian    Neutral impact
Black Neutral impact
Chinese Neutral impact
Mixed race Neutral impact

Reason: It is unlikely that the action plan will have a differential impact on equality of opportunity between different racial backgrounds.

Disability
Long term health impairment could include mental health problems, asthma, heart conditions, chronic fatigue etc.

Positive impact

Reason: Could have a minor positive impact by ensuring services are more accessible because of the reasonable adjustments that can be made.

Sexual orientation

Heterosexual, lesbian, gay men, bisexual, others

Neutral impact

Reason: It is unlikely that the action plan will have a differential impact on equality of opportunity based on sexual orientation.

Age

Older People Positive impact
Younger people and children Positive impact

Reason: Autistic individuals over 18 will have improved access to activity options. Greater integration into mainstream programs.

Political Opinion

Neutral impact

Reason: It is unlikely that the action plan will have a differential impact on equality of opportunity based on political opinion.

Religious Belief

Neutral impact

Reason: It is unlikely that the action plan will have a differential impact on equality of opportunity based on religious belief.

Martial Status

Neutral impact

Reason: It is unlikely that the action plan will have a differential impact on equality of opportunity based on Marital Status.

Dependants

Neutral impact
Reason: It is unlikely that the action plan will have a differential impact on equality of opportunity based on Dependants.

Screening Questions

2. Are there opportunities to better promote equality of opportunity for people within any of the Section 75 categories?

Gender

(Women, Men, Transgender men/women , Other please specify)

Yes. Individuals of all genders are supported in the autism action plan irrespective of how they identify.

Race

The categories used in the Race section are those used in the 2011 census. Consideration should be given to the needs of specific communities within the broad categories.
(Asian, Black, Chinese, Mixed race, White, Other please specify)

Yes. Individuals of all racial backgrounds are supported in the action plan.

Disability

Long term health impairment could include mental health problems, asthma, heart conditions, chronic fatigue etc.

Yes. Individuals of all abilities are supported by the autism action plan.

Sexual orientation

Heterosexual, lesbian, gay men, bisexual, others