Barriers And Exclusions the Support Needs of Newly Arrived Refugees with a Disability
FECCA’s report on the support needs of newly arrived refugees with disabilities underscores systemic barriers that prevent full inclusion in Australian society. Highlighting challenges such as inadequate initial health assessments, delays in accessing disability services, and limited availability of accessible housing and transport. Refugees with disabilities face significant obstacles navigating complex systems like the NDIS, exacerbated by language barriers and a lack of cultural competence in service provision. These issues often leave refugees without necessary aids, increasing their vulnerability and hindering their settlement and participation in the community.
The report recommends targeted actions, including prioritising refugees with disabilities for health and support services, embedding disability support officers in settlement services, and ensuring culturally and linguistically appropriate communication. It also calls for greater collaboration between settlement and disability services, improved data collection on disability among refugees, and broader access to the NDIS, including for those on temporary visas. These measures aim to bridge gaps in support systems, uphold human rights obligations, and promote equitable opportunities for refugees with disabilities to thrive in Australia.
