Barriers and Exclusions: The Support Needs of Newly Arrived Refugees With a Disability

This report focuses on service system issues relating to newly arrived refugee and humanitarian entrants in Australia who have a disability.

Executive summary (extract):

Due to experiences of conflict, torture and displacement, people from refugee backgrounds are more likely to have a disability than other populations. However, until 2012, people with a disability and/or other significant health concerns were excluded from Australia’s resettlement program, representing a significant discrimination concern. This resulted in the exclusion of highly vulnerable refugees from resettlement to Australia. A policy change in 2012 resulted in an increase in the number of refugees with disabilities who were granted visas.

While this change has been welcomed by organisations working with people from refugee backgrounds, the natural consequence of this policy change has been an increase in the prevalence and diversity of disability among newly resettled refugees.

Read the full Report: https://www.refugeecouncil.org.au/disability-report/