People with disability
Please note, Resources related to specific disabilities that are identified as individual diversity characteristics (i.e. neurodivergence, vision and hearing loss, cognitive impairments including dementia and mental ill-health) are included on separate pages of the resource library.*
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) (2024) People with disability in Australia. Available from: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/disability/people-with-disability-in-australia/contents/about
Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Disability. Available from: https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/disability
Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) (2021) Disability and carers. Available from: https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/disability/disability-and-carers-census/2021
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) (2024) Health of people with disability. Available from: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/australias-health/health-of-people-with-disability
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) (2024) Violence against people with disability Available from: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/disability/people-with-disability-in-australia/contents/justice-and-safety/violence-against-people-with-disability
Department of Health, Disability and Aging – Empowering People with Disability. Available from: https://www.health.gov.au/topics/disability-and-carers/empowering
The Disability Gateway assists people with a disability, their families and carers, to find and access trusted information and services. For more information, go to: https://www.disabilitygateway.gov.au/
The Australian Federation of Disability Organisations (AFDO) is a Disabled People’s Organisation (DPO). They are a cross-disability representative organisation, and the national voice representing people with disability in Australia. Further information is available from: https://www.afdo.org.au/
- AFDO’s Disability Australia Hub provides a gateway to disability knowledge, advocacy and information resources. Available from: https://www.disabilityaustraliahub.com.au/
The Disability Advocacy Resource Unit (DARU) is a dedicated resource unit funded to work with disability advocacy organisations to promote and protect the rights of people with disability. They also provide a range of free training and resources. Further information is available from: https://www.daru.org.au/
National Ethnic Disability Alliance (NEDA) is a national Disabled People’s Organisation (DPO) that advocates federally for the human rights of people with disability, and their families, from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) and non-English speaking backgrounds (NESB). Further information is available from: https://www.neda.org.au/
- The experiences & perspectives of people with disability from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse backgrounds (2021). Available from: https://neda.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/NEDA-CALDReport211102-Low-Res.pdf
First Peoples Disability Network (FPDN) is the peak national organisation of and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with disability, their families and communities. Further information is available from: https://fpdn.org.au/
The following disability organisations provide education and support:
- People with Disability Australia: https://pwd.org.au/
- Brain Injury Australia: https://www.braininjuryaustralia.org.au/
- Deaf Australia: https://deafaustralia.org.au/
- Down Syndrome Australia: https://www.downsyndrome.org.au/
- Vision Australia: https://www.visionaustralia.org/
- Autism Australia: https://www.autismspectrum.org.au/
- Forward (for people with spinal cord injury): https://fas.org.au/
Services and support available for people with a disability
My Aged Care. Support for people living with disability. Available from: https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/support-people-living-with-disability
My Aged Care. Caring for someone with a disability. Available from: https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/carers/caring-someone-disability
Australian Government. Carer Gateway Caring for a person with disability. Available from: https://www.carergateway.gov.au/your-life-carer/your-life-around-caring/who-caring/caring-disability
Department of Social Services (DSS) (2021) Australia’s Disability Strategy 2021-2031. Available from: https://www.disabilitygateway.gov.au/ads/strategy
Department of Social Services (DSS)Younger people in Residential Aged Care. Available from: https://www.dss.gov.au/disability-and-carers/programmes-services/for-people-with-disability/younger-people-with-disability-in-residential-aged-care-initiative
Department of Social Services (DSS) Suitable accommodation and supports. Available from: https://www.dss.gov.au/suitable-accommodation-and-supports
Department of Health, Disability and Ageing (2022) Principles and guidelines for a younger person’s access to Commonwealth funded aged care services. Available from: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/principles-and-guidelines-for-a-younger-persons-access-to-commonwealth-funded-aged-care-services
Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. Disability Support for Older Australians Program. Available from: https://www.health.gov.au/initiatives-and-programs/disability-support-for-older-australians-dsoa-program/about-the-disability-support-for-older-australians-program
Additional services and supports for people with a disability can be found at:
- The Disability Gateway: https://www.disabilitygateway.gov.au/
- Ask Izzy: https://askizzy.org.au/
Department of Health, Disability and Ageing – Disability and carers hub. Available from: https://www.health.gov.au/topics/disability-and-carers
The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing’s Younger people in residential aged care (YPIRAC) toolkit provides information and support to help younger people access age-appropriate housing, care and services. Available from: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/collections/younger-people-in-residential-aged-care-ypirac-toolkit
The Centre for Universal Design Australia provides information and tools about universal design and inclusive practice. Further information is available from: https://universaldesignaustralia.net.au/
Delivering safe and inclusive services for older people with a disability
Disability Advocacy Resource Unit (DARU) How to be disability inclusive. Available from: https://daru.org.au/course/how-to-be-disability-inclusive/
People with Disability Australia (PWDA) (2021) PWDA Language Guide: A guide to language about disability. Available from: http://prdpwd.wpengine.com/resources/language-guide/
Scope have developed a range of resources focussed on effective communication with people with a range of communication difficulties. There are also a number of short videos available on their website that demonstrate communication strategies and tools in action. Of particular interest may be:
- Communication access. Available from: https://www.scopeaust.org.au/services-for-organisations/access-and-inclusion-for-businesses/communication-access/.
- The ‘Connecting Me’ Tool Kit. Available from: https://www.scopeaust.org.au/information-resources-hub/resources-download/
People experiencing mental ill health
We acknowledge the importance of using respectful, inclusive language. Some language can sensationalise mental illness, reinforce stigma and perpetuate unhelpful stereotypes. Inclusive language is respectful, non-judgemental and strengths based. It focusses on the person (not the mental health condition or difficulties the person experiences). It’s important to ask people about their preferred terminology and use the appropriate language throughout your work together. Please refer to the resource lists for further information about inclusive language and appropriate terminology.
Mental health and wellbeing
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) (2022) Mental health: prevalence and impact. Available from: https://www.aihw.gov.au/getmedia/622ae08e-1c2f-45df-9682-10a3e0c41fe1/prevalence-and-impact-of-mental-illness-2022.pdf.aspx
Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. About mental health. Available from: https://www.health.gov.au/health-topics/mental-health-and-suicide-prevention/about-mental-health
Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) (2022) National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing. Available from: https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/mental-health/national-study-mental-health-and-wellbeing/latest-release
SANE Australia (2013). Growing older, staying well: mental health care for older Australians: A SANE Report. Available from: https://www.sane.org/images/PDFs/GrowingOlderStayingWell.pdf
Life in mind. About suicide: Older adults. Available from: https://lifeinmind.org.au/about-suicide/priority-populations/older-adults
World Health Organization (WHO) (2017) Mental health of older adults. Available from: https://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-of-older-adults
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) (2024) Physical health of people with mental illness. Available from: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/mental-health/physical-health-of-people-with-mental-illness
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) (2024) Suicide & self-harm monitoring. Available from: https://www.aihw.gov.au/suicide-self-harm-monitoring/summary
Beyond Blue. Older adults resources. Available from: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/mental-health/resource-library
Black Dog Institute:
- Depression in older people. Available from: https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Depression-in-older-people.pdf
- Separation anxiety in the already lonely – supporting older and vulnerable people who live alone. Available from: https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/news/separation-anxiety-in-the-already-lonely-supporting-older-and-vulnerable-people-who-live-alone/
- Loneliness and its impact on the mental health of the older person (webinar). Available from: https://soundcloud.com/user-739013830/loneliness-and-its-impact-on-the-mental-health-of-the-older-person
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) (2024) Mental Health in Aged Care. Available from: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/aged-care/mental-health-in-aged-care/contents/mental-health-conditions-in-aged-care-service-user
Suicide Prevention Australia – Stats and Facts. Available from: https://www.suicidepreventionaust.org/
Aged care services and support available for people experiencing mental ill-health
Department of Health and Aged Care. What we’re doing about mental health. Available from: https://www.health.gov.au/health-topics/mental-health-and-suicide-prevention/what-were-doing-about-mental-health
My Aged Care. Caring for someone with a mental health condition. Available from: https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/caring-someone-mental-health-condition
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) (2024) Mental health services in Australia: Stress and trauma. Available from: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/mental-health/stress-and-trauma
Department of Health and Aged Care. Better Access Initiative. Available from: https://www.health.gov.au/initiatives-and-programs/better-access-initiative#who-can-access-better-access-rebates
Department of Health and Aged Care. What we’re doing about suicide prevention. Available from: https://www.health.gov.au/health-topics/mental-health-and-suicide-prevention/what-were-doing-about-suicide-prevention
Australian Government-Carer Gateway: Caring for a person with mental illness. Available from: https://www.carergateway.gov.au/your-life-carer/your-life-around-caring/who-caring/caring-mental-illness
Beyond Blue. Our work with older adults. Available from: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/about-us/about-our-work/older-adults-program
HealthDirect. Older People and Mental Health. Available from: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/older-people-and-mental-health
Lifeline provides access to crisis support and suicide prevention services. Further information is available from: https://www.lifeline.org.au/
Everymind is a leading Institute dedicated to the prevention of mental ill-health and suicide. Further information is available from: https://everymind.org.au/
Head to Health brings together apps, online programs, online forums, and phone services, as well as a range of digital information resources. Further information is available from: https://www.headtohealth.gov.au/
Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467 is a nationwide service providing 24/7 telephone and online counselling to people affected by suicide. Further information is available from: https://www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au/
StandBy – 1300 727 247 is Australia’s leading suicide postvention program dedicated to assisting people and communities bereaved or impacted by suicide. StandBy is accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week, providing free face-to face and/or telephone support at a time and place that is best for each individual. Further information is available from: https://standbysupport.com.au/
Department of Health, Disability and Ageing COVID-19 aged care grief and trauma support services. Available from: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/collections/covid-19-aged-care-grief-and-trauma-support-resources
Delivering safe and inclusive services for people experiencing mental ill-health
Relationships Australia SA (2023) Mental Health in RACF Toolkit: Improving Emotional Wellness. Available from: https://www.rasa.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Mental-Health-RACF-Toolkit_RASA_Final.pdf
Relationships Australia SA (2021) Supporting Emotional Wellness in Aged Care: Building connection and strength by reminiscing. Available here.
Victorian Department of Health (2011) Well for Life: Improving emotional wellbeing for older people in residential aged care. Available here.
Anglicare. Suicide prevention for seniors (free online training program for aged care staff). Further information is available from: https://www.anglicare.org.au/what-we-offer/mental-health/suicide-prevention-for-seniors/
Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) (2010) Workers with Mental Illness: a Practical Guide for Managers. (See Appendix C: How to talk about mental illness). Available from: https://humanrights.gov.au/our-work/disability-rights/publications/2010-workers-mental-illness-practical-guide-managers
Mental Health Coordinating Council (MHCC) (2022) Recovery Oriented Language Guide: Third Edition. Sydney, Australia. Available from: https://mhcc.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Recovery-Oriented-Language-Guide-Mental-Health-Coordinating-Council-2022.pdf
Mental Health Council of Australia (MHCA) (2011) Consumer and carer experiences of stigma from mental health and other health professionals. Available here.
SANE Australia (2021) Reducing stigma. Available from: https://www.sane.org/information-and-resources/facts-and-guides/reducing-stigma
Everymind. Mental Health: Language and stigma. Available from: https://everymind.org.au/understanding-mental-health/mental-health/language-and-stigma
Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) (2010) Workers with Mental Illness: a Practical Guide for Managers. (See Appendix C: How to talk about mental illness). Available from: https://humanrights.gov.au/our-work/disability-rights/publications/2010-workers-mental-illness-practical-guide-managers
Beyond Blue (2019) Have the conversation with older people. Available from: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/who-does-it-affect/older-people/have-the-conversation-with-older-people
Aged Care Research & Industry Innovation Australia (ARIIA)’s Knowledge and Implementation Hub provides evidence of best practice, along with learning and practical resources, to support the aged care workforce in delivering safe, high-quality care to individuals around mental health and wellbeing. Further information is available from: https://www.ariia.org.au/knowledge-implementation-hub/mental-health-and-wellbeing
Embrace Mental Multicultural Mental Health provide practical support and resources to support providers embed culturally inclusive responses to mental health and wellbeing. They also have a range of resources about mental health for multicultural communities. Further information is available from: https://embracementalhealth.org.au/
Phoenix Australia is Australia’s National Centre of Excellence in Posttraumatic Mental Health. They provide a number of resources, including those tailored to Older People, Families and Carers. Further information is available from: https://phoenixaustralia.org/aged-care/older-people-families-and-carers/
