Defining disability

Disability is diverse and experienced by people of all ages, backgrounds and cultures. It can include physical, sensory, cognitive, intellectual, psychosocial and invisible disabilities.

The State Plan is underpinned by both the social and human rights models of disability, which recognise that disability is not caused by an individual’s impairment, but by the physical, attitudinal and systemic barriers created by society.

These models emphasise the importance of removing those barriers to create a more inclusive and equitable community — one where people with disability have the same opportunity to participate, contribute and thrive as everyone else.

The human rights model further reinforces this by affirming the inherent dignity, autonomy and equal rights of people with disability, as outlined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). It places responsibility on society to uphold and protect these rights across all areas of life.

Over the years, society has viewed and responded to disability in other ways, with negative outcomes for people with disability. For example, the medical model of disability, which views disability as an individual condition to be treated or managed, has historically influenced many systems and services. The legacy of this approach still impacts people with disability to this day.

That is why the State Plan focuses on inclusion, accessibility and the removal of barriers in society, with social and human rights models providing the foundation for the State Plan and shaping our vision for a more inclusive South Australia.

It is important to note that disability may be understood differently across cultures. In some Aboriginal communities, difference is viewed through cultural roles, relationships and individual strengths, with a focus on community, identity and wellbeing. This can lead to underreporting of disability and, in turn, lower use of services. Similarly, in culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities, cultural beliefs, language and experiences of stigma can shape how disability is perceived and supported, highlighting the importance of respectful, inclusive and tailored approaches.

Recognising these diverse perspectives helps us understand that disability is defined and experienced in many different ways. Under the Disability Inclusion Act 2018 (SA) (the Act), and for the purposes of the State Plan, disability is defined as:

In relation to a person, includes long-term physical, psycho-social, intellectual, cognitive, neurological or sensory impairment, or a combination of any of these impairments, which in interaction with various barriers may hinder the person’s full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others.