Disability rights are human rights. Yet across the world, and here in Australia, people with disability continue to be denied freedoms and opportunities that others take for granted. These are not privileges but fundamental rights, protected under international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).

In Sydney and across New South Wales, ongoing advocacy has shown how disability human rights are still overlooked in everyday life — from family and relationships to work and mobility. This highlights why stronger policy, services, and community education are urgently needed.

1. Disability and the Right to Family Life

Research shows that women with intellectual disability are far more likely to have their children removed by child protection services, often based on stereotypes rather than evidence of neglect. The Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability (2023) found parents with intellectual disability are disproportionately represented in child removal cases. This undermines the right to family life guaranteed under the CRPD.

Supporting families properly — with parenting programs, accessible services, and advocacy — is one way to strengthen disability human rights in Sydney and prevent unnecessary child removals. Families must be supported, not punished, when facing challenges.

2. The Right to Relationships and Intimacy for People with Disability

People with disability often face stigma, restrictive institutional rules, and limited access to sexual health education. Those with intellectual and psychosocial disabilities are sometimes denied opportunities for consensual sexual relationships, including through guardianship laws that restrict decision-making. This violates the right to privacy and family life under the CRPD.

Respecting human rights means recognising that people with disability, like everyone else, deserve safe and fulfilling relationships. Expanding education, promoting autonomy, and breaking down stigma are crucial steps toward equality. It also means training professionals — from teachers to healthcare workers — to better support the relationship rights of people with disability.

3. The Right to Work and Economic Participation in Sydney

Employment remains one of the largest barriers to equality. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (2022), the labour force participation rate for people with disability was only 53% compared with 84% for people without disability, while unemployment was almost double (10% vs 5%).

Discrimination during recruitment, inaccessible workplaces, and low expectations about capability all contribute to this gap. Many people with disability want to work and contribute, but are blocked by systems that fail them. Protecting disability human rights in Sydney workplaces means removing these barriers and enforcing anti-discrimination laws more effectively.

Creating inclusive workplaces benefits everyone — employers gain skilled and motivated staff, while employees with disability gain financial security, independence, and dignity.

4. The Right to Mobility and Independence

Driving and transport access remain major barriers. Licensing processes and inaccessible transport systems effectively deny many people with disability the ability to drive or move freely. Transport for NSW (2021) found that people with disability are twice as likely to experience transport disadvantage, restricting employment, healthcare, and community participation.

Accessible transport is more than convenience — it is a human right. True independence comes from being able to travel freely, access services, and engage with community life on equal terms. Improvements such as step-free stations, better signage, and affordable transport options are essential.

Moving Forward: Advocacy and Action

The denial of these rights is systemic, not individual. Whether through laws, policies, or social attitudes, people with disability continue to face barriers to parenting, relationships, work, and independence. Recognising disability rights as human rights means dismantling these barriers and ensuring equal participation in every sphere of life.

People with disability have a labour force participation rate of just 53%, compared with 84% for people without disability. – Australian Bureau of Statistics (2022)

At love and hope with no steps, we support people with disability to exercise their rights, build independence, and live with dignity. Through NDIS advocacy in Sydney, we walk alongside participants and families to ensure that disability human rights in Sydney are not just words on paper but lived realities.

Contact us today to learn how we can support you or your loved one to achieve independence, equality, and hope.