Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with disability, 2022: key findings in plain language

This fact sheet includes data about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with disability in Australia. The data is from the 2022 Survey of Disability, Ageing and Carers (SDAC). The Australian Bureau of Statistics carried out the survey. 

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The Australian Bureau of Statistics acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of Country throughout Australia. This includes where we work, live and learn. We recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to their cultures and Elders, past and present.

The SDAC includes people living in households in most of Australia. Households include private homes and self-care units in retirement villages.

We found that of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples:

• one-quarter (25.3%) had disability in 2022 – about the same as in 2018 (24.0%) and 2015 (23.9%)
• the rate of disability was about the same for males (24.8%) and females (25.9%)
• almost half (48.4%) of those aged 55 years or older had disability
• 7.8% had a mild or moderate disability
• 11.6% had a profound or severe disability.

In the survey, a disability is any condition that:

• limits, restricts or affects everyday activities

             and

• lasts, or is likely to last, for at least 6 months.

People with profound disability are people who have the greatest need for help. This means they can’t do at least one core activity, or always need help with at least one core activity. Core activities include moving around, self-care and communication. 

People with severe disability sometimes need help with at least one core activity.

People with mild or moderate disability might find core activities challenging. And they might use equipment for support, like a wheelchair. But they do not need support from another person with core activities.

Of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with disability:

• almost two-thirds (64.8%) needed support with at least one everyday activity
• 70.7% aged 5 years and over needed some form of support to go to school or work. For example, time off school or special equipment.