Young People Living with Disability in Society

Introduction

Young people with disability are an essential part of our communities, yet their experiences are often misunderstood or overlooked. They go to school, dream about the future, play sports, and connect with friends—just like any other young person. However, they may also encounter unique challenges, from navigating accessibility barriers to facing stigma in social spaces. This article explores what life looks like for young people living with disability in society, the obstacles they face, and the supports that can create pathways to inclusion, independence, and empowerment.

Society plays a major role in shaping inclusion. Think of it like a giant playground: some children can easily run up the slide or hop onto the swing, while others face locked gates or missing ramps. For young people with disability, whether they feel included often depends on how well the “playground” of society is designed. Education, employment, and community life are three key areas where inclusion matters most. Inclusive schools that provide aides, accessible learning tools, and peer awareness programs can set young people up for lifelong success. Vocational training and early work opportunities help youth transition into meaningful careers. Sporting clubs, youth groups, and arts programs become spaces of belonging when they welcome diversity.

Challenges remain. Stigma and discrimination can limit opportunities before they’re even offered. Many public and digital spaces are still not designed with universal access in mind. Bullying and social exclusion can lead to poor mental health. Families often struggle to navigate fragmented or underfunded services. These barriers don’t just block individual progress; they send a message about who society values.

Yet across Australia and globally, young people with disability are leading change. They are using social media to campaign for accessibility, joining advisory boards, and excelling in sports and the arts. These success stories remind us that disability is not the absence of ability—it’s a call for society to adapt and evolve.

The NDIS plays a key role in this transformation. Supports for young people include therapy, assistive technology, skill development, and community participation programs. Families benefit from respite and counselling. When delivered effectively, NDIS services don’t just reduce barriers—they unlock opportunities.

Families, schools, and communities each have a part to play. Families can nurture independence while providing support. Schools can adopt universal design principles and anti-bullying policies. Communities can ensure youth spaces, events, and programs are inclusive. Inclusion is like building a house: policies are the foundation, but families and communities put up the walls and roof.

Young people living with disability enrich the communities they belong to. With access, opportunity, and respect, they don’t just adapt—they flourish. Society’s challenge is to ensure every young person, regardless of ability, can grow into their full potential.

At Love and Hope with No Steps, we support young people with disability to build independence and thrive in their communities — contact us today to learn more.

Almost 1 in 3 young people with disability (aged 15–24) experience high or very high psychological distress, compared with 1 in 8 without disability.
– Australian Bureau of Statistics (2019)