Debates in Disability and Health Policy: Health inequities and the social determinants of health for Australians with disability

Policy Lab Members identified a range of issues that contribute to the poorer health of people with disability, with the key factors outlined as:

- Income and employment
- Social exclusion
- Housing
- Transport
- Education

All these are interconnected which affect and impact others. A number of other issues were identified as:

- A lack of employment opportunities for people with disability and the jobs which are available are often poorly paid

- Discrimination against people with disabilities when seeking work

- Negative community attitudes towards people with disability increases social exclusion which impacts on mental and physical health

- A lack of affordable housing, both in the private rental market and in social housing

- Restricted transport options for people living in rural or remote regions which impacts on a someone’s ability to get to work, and to keep in contact with family and friends

- A lack of education which provides people with disability the skills to manage general issues with their own health and other circumstances such as being able to navigate the workplace and find a job.

These gaps have resulted in significant health inequities for people with disability in Australia.