Social Work - Disability: Seeking a better quality of life

Living With Disability in Australia

People living with disability in Australia often face barriers that affect their health, safety, independence, and ability to take part in everyday life. These challenges don’t always come from the disability itself, but from systems, environments, and attitudes that are not designed to be inclusive. Some common challenges include:

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• Emotional challenges: People may feel grief, frustration, or worry about the future. These feelings can be stronger when support or access is limited.

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• Social isolation: Physical barriers and stigma can make it hard to connect with others, which can lead to loneliness and mental health concerns.

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• Issues with self‑perception and identity: Changes in ability can affect confidence and self‑esteem. Some people may experience internalised stigma, making self‑acceptance an important part of support.

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• Financial strain: Managing a disability can be expensive and stressful. Financial counselling and support services can help reduce this pressure.

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• Caregiver stress: Family members and carers often carry heavy responsibilities. This can lead to burnout, tiredness, and emotional exhaustion.

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• Discrimination or difficulty accessing support: Many people face barriers when trying to access services. These may include stigma, discrimination, cost, long wait times, or physical inaccessibility.

 

Support through the NDIS

For Australians under 65 with a permanent and significant disability, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides a range of supports to help people live more independently and work toward their goals. The NDIS gives people more choice and control over the services they receive. This means individuals can choose supports that truly meet their needs—such as daily living assistance, therapies, community activities, or assistive technology.

The NDIS can feel confusing or difficult to access at first. This is something we can help with.

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Other barriers people may face

Many people also experience problems with health services, including long wait times, high costs, and services that are not accessible. Social isolation, discrimination, and difficulty using transport or public spaces can limit opportunities to join in community life. 

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In education and employment, people may receive less support or face negative attitudes that limit their opportunities. Housing insecurity, financial stress, and higher rates of violence—especially for women and people with psychosocial disability—can create further risks and challenges.