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Guernsey and Alderney are to assess "the prevalence of disability" in the islands and whether the needs of disabled islanders are being met.

The Policy Council's Social Policy Group is tendering for a disability needs survey to be carried out in 2012.

Deputy Hunter Adam, the group's chairman, said: "The survey is a key milestone in the work towards a disability strategy."

The successful company or research body will be chosen in the autumn.

Deputy Adam said the survey would be "the first of its kind undertaken in the islands" and would shape future policy.

"It will give us a much clearer idea of the level of need experienced by disabled people and how to address that need, as well as looking at the barriers and exclusion issues which are experienced on a daily basis," he said.