Exploring young people's attitudes towards disability in Australia

Investigators

Associate Professor Tim Moore, Dr Jen Couch, Dr Emma Hussey and Dr Sebastian Trew (Institute of Child Protection Studies, Australian Catholic University); Dr Marian Esler (POLIS, Centre for Social Policy Research, Australian National University); Liz Hudson and Madeleine Gay (Children and Young People with Disability Australia)

Funding

Conducted through the Australian National University, with funding from the Commonwealth Department of Social Services, as part of Australia's Disability Strategy 2021-2031

Aims

The study aimed to better understand young people's attitudes towards disability, exploring how these attitudes shaped inclusion, peer relationships, and opportunities in education, employment, and community life. It also sought to identify ways to challenge stereotypes and promote more inclusive environments for young people with disability.

Background

While significant progress has been made in policy and disability rights, young people with disability continue to encounter stigma and exclusion. Australia's Disability Strategy 2021-2031 identifies "Community Attitudes" as a key priority. This project contributed to that goal by amplifying young people's voices-both with and without disability-to explore how perceptions are formed and how they affect participation and wellbeing.

Project details

Method

Five focus groups were conducted with 39 young people aged 15-25, including young people with disability, young carers, and participants from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds. The discussions explored attitudes, perceptions of inclusion, and experiences across school, work, and community settings. Data were thematically analysed using NVivo, ensuring that young people with lived experience of disability guided interpretation and findings.

Key findings

• Disability was often viewed negatively, with a focus on limitations rather than strengths.
• Unfair treatment remained common, leading to exclusion, low expectations and infantilisation.
• Personal experience shaped empathy-those with friends or family with disability held more inclusive views.
• Media influenced perceptions, often reinforcing pity or "inspiration" stereotypes.
• Negative attitudes caused harm, impacting confidence, wellbeing and opportunities.
• Schools and workplaces varied in how well they supported inclusion.
• Awareness and representation mattered-young people wanted real stories and visibility.
• Respect and accessibility were seen as the foundations for genuine inclusion.

Recommendations

• Shift from a medical to a social model of disability.
• Develop youth-led awareness campaigns using social media and lived experience.
• Create peer support networks and accessible community spaces.
• Build capacity across education and employment sectors through training and inclusion initiatives.
• Simplify and strengthen NDIS and support systems to meet young people's needs.

Publications

Moore, T., Couch, J., Hussey, E., Esler, M., Hudson, L., Gay, M., & Trew, S. (2025). "A Lot of Judgement Stems from Stereotypes": Young People's Views on Australian Attitudes Towards Disability. Melbourne: Institute of Child Protection Studies, Australian Catholic University.

The full report and a number of other reports, and an AUSLAN summary, are available on the Australian Government Disability Gateway.

Impact

The project provided evidence to inform national policy and practice, highlighting the voices of young people in shaping inclusive communities. Findings will support initiatives that foster understanding, reduce stigma, and promote equality for people with disability across education, work, and social life.

Project timeline

2024 - 2025

Contact

For more information contact: tim.moore@acu.edu.au