About people with disability

  • 17% of Victorians are people with disability1
  • Only just over 10% of the 1.1 million Victorians with disability are eligible for an NDIS plan
  • 77% of people with disability have a physical disability2
  • 32% of people with disability sometimes or always need support with daily self-care, mobility or communication activities3
  • 24% of Aboriginal people have disability, which
    is twice the rate of the general population4
  • 39% of LGBTIQA+ people aged 14 to 21 identify as having disability or long-term health condition5
  • 7.7% of children under 15 have disability6

Victorian people with disability are diverse in their culture, language, sexuality, gender identity, age, ability, socioeconomic status and life experiences. They are parents, children and young people and live in all parts of the state. Some people's disability is hidden, while other people’s disability is visible. Their experiences and the way they perceive the concept of disability differ.

The contributions that people with disability make to the community are significant and valuable. People with disability have the right to expect the same opportunities as people without disability and live lives of their own choosing.

People with disability are often excluded. They experience segregation and ableism in all areas of community life. They face multiple barriers to inclusion and full and equal participation. These barriers affect all parts of a person’s daily life.

References

[1] Australian Bureau of Statistics 2018, Disability, ageing and carers, Australia: summary of findings, Australian Government, Canberra.

[2] Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2020, People with disability Australia, Australian Government, Canberra.

[3] Ibid.

[4] Australian Bureau of Statistics 2018, Disability, ageing and carers, Australia: summary of findings, Australian Government, Canberra.

[5] LGBTIQ+ Health Australia 2021, Snapshot of mental health and suicide prevention statistics for LGBTIQ+ people, LGBTIQ+ Health Australia, Pyrmont.

[6] Australian Bureau of Statistics, Ageing and carers, Australia: summary of findings.

Updated

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