A spotlight on our priority groups
Since the commencement of the first State Plan in 2019, the intersection between a person’s disability and other forms of structural and systemic discrimination has become increasingly clear.
Intersectionality is about recognising that people with disability are diverse, have different needs, and may belong to different population groups. This can result in overlapping disadvantage. Understanding intersectionality is essential to addressing the unique barriers faced by people with intersecting identities.
The Act highlights seven priority groups to address the needs of people who may face additional or compounded barriers to inclusion. These groups include Aboriginal peoples with disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds with disability, women with disability, children with disability, people with disability who identify as LGBTIQA+, people with significant intellectual disability or who have high levels of vulnerability due to disability and people with disability who live in regional communities. To support genuine access and inclusion, the Act requires that state authorities must tailor policies, programs and services to meet the diverse and intersecting needs of these groups.
In addition to the priority groups identified in the Act, we acknowledge the importance of including older people with disability and carers as priority groups. Both groups often face compounding barriers that affect their ability to participate fully in society.
Older people with disability may experience challenges such as ageism, digital exclusion, and barriers to access appropriate services. Carers face unique pressures including physical, emotional and financial strain, as well as difficulty in finding adequate support.
Applying an ageing and carer-inclusive lens across all population groups ensures that their experiences are recognised and their needs addressed. It also reflects the understanding that disability is not fixed or static and can be acquired at any stage of life, particularly in later years.
The State Plan will ensure that priority groups, including older people with disability and carers, are actively considered and meaningfully embedded across all measures and within each state authority’s DAIP.
Aboriginal peoples with disability
Aboriginal peoples with disability may have a distinct understanding of disability shaped by their culture, history and kinship. As the First Peoples of Australia, they have the right to respect and to celebrate their history, culture and community identity.
Aboriginal peoples experience disability at significantly higher rates. This is often linked to social factors such as poverty, trauma, discrimination and limited access to culturally appropriate services. Addressing these factors is essential to achieving inclusive and equitable outcomes throughout the State Plan.
People with disability from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds
People with disability from CALD backgrounds may face unique challenges, including language barriers, differing cultural perceptions of disability, and difficulties navigating service systems. These factors can limit access to appropriate supports and lead to further marginalisation.
The deaf community has a distinct language and culture. Auslan, the natural language of many deaf people in Australia, is often not recognised or understood by the broader community. This lack of recognition contributes to barriers in accessing services and achieving equitable inclusion.
Women with disability
Women and girls with disability may experience disability differently and are more likely to be underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed. They also face higher rates of abuse, exploitation and economic disadvantage.
Policies and programs must respond to these gender-specific challenges to support the empowerment and protection of women and girls with disability.
Children with disability
Children and young people with disability have the right to a full life in conditions that uphold their dignity, promote self-reliance and enable active participation in family, cultural and social life.
Efforts must focus on supporting their growth, development and inclusion.
Additional consideration is needed for vulnerable children with disability and their carers, including those in out-of-home care or youth detention who face compounded disadvantage, to ensure they receive the necessary protections and support.
People with disability who identify as LGBTIQA+
People with disability who identify as LGBTIQA+ can experience exclusion from supports and services and their specific needs are often overlooked in policy and program development, leading to further marginalisation.
Inclusive approaches must recognise and address the unique barriers faced by LGBTIQA+ people with disability to promote their full participation and wellbeing.
People with significant intellectual disability or who have high levels of vulnerability due to disability
People with significant intellectual disability or who experience high levels of vulnerability due to their disability have the right to feel safe, be treated with dignity and be supported to participate meaningfully in their communities.
Inclusive policies and services must empower each person to live a fulfilling life, based on their strengths, choices, and needs.
People with disability who live in regional communities
People with disability living in regional and remote areas often face reduced access to supports and services, along with greater barriers to participation due to distance, limited transport options, and resource shortages.
Improving equity of access in regional and remote areas is critical to ensuring all people with disability can fully participate in their communities, regardless of location.