In this article, we’ll explore the size and scope of disability in Australia. In 2018, around 4.4 million Australians, which is about 17.7% of the population, had a disability. For those under 65 years old, it was 2.4 million people, or 11.6% of this age group. About 5.7% of the whole population faced significant challenges in daily activities, and these numbers have stayed similar since 2015, 2012, and 2009.
Gender and Disability
Both males and females are equally affected by disability. About 17.6% of males and 17.8% of females experience it across all age groups. For those under 65 years, the numbers are 12.0% for males and 11.4% for females.
Indigenous Communities
Indigenous Australians face higher rates of disability compared to non-Indigenous people. In 2018, 8.8% of all Indigenous Australians had significant limitations, which is about 1.8 times more than non-Indigenous people, up from 1.5 times in 2015.
National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
As of June 2023, there were 610,502 active NDIS participants with approved plans. Autism was the most common form of disability (35.2%), followed by intellectual disability (16.5%). Additionally, 46,694 NDIS participants identified as Indigenous.
Disability Support Workforce
The disability support workforce, according to the 2023 NDS Workforce Census, is mostly female (two-thirds) and aged 25 to 44 years (51%). There’s been an increase in casual workers (39%), with fewer turnovers in the past 12 months.
Income Support and Allowances
At the end of June 2023, several support programs were available, including the Disability Support Pension, Carer Payment, Carer Allowance, Carer Supplement, Child Disability Assistance Payment, and Mobility Allowance.
Informal Carers
Family and friends play a crucial role in supporting individuals with disabilities. In 2018, about 861,600 informal primary carers provided help with self-care, mobility, and communication for people with disabilities.
Understanding disability in Australia involves considering various factors, from NDIS participation and workforce dynamics to the vital role of informal carers. This information helps shape inclusive policies and support systems for individuals living with disabilities.
More Info?
Dive into more disability statistics available on the Report on Government Services 2024 released on 22 January 2024.
Expert Blog: How Effective Communication can transform Client Satisfaction
Transitions can lead people into systems that feel impersonal. Find out ways on how to avoid this.
