Youth disability in Australia

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Face the facts
Youth disability in Australia
March 2012
Young people report experiencing a variety of disabilities, such as ‘physical, sensory, intellectual and psychiatric impairments’, which restrict their access to social activities and employment opportunities, and prevent them achieving their educational potential.
snapshot
In 2009 it was estimated that around 7% of young Australians had a disability, with 27% of these young people indicating that they had a severe disability. This snapshot provides an overview of the issues, stats and concerns of young people with disability.
Briefing
The issues relating to youth and their experience of disability are rarely highlighted by the media or within the political sphere. The purpose of this background paper is to bring to the attention of decision-makers some of the key statistics, policy problems and opportunities relating to youth and disability.