This report considers the similarities and differences between two groups of young people who took part in the Mission Australia Youth Survey 2019: those who reported having disability compared with those who reported no disability. The researchers used quantitative and qualitative findings throughout this report to highlight these issues.

For the purpose of this report, disability has been defined as any continuing condition that restricts everyday activities. Disability is therefore not just a health issue. It is a complex, contested, evolving concept, reflecting the interaction between features of a person’s body and features of the society in which they live.

Overcoming the difficulties faced by young people with disability requires interventions to remove environmental and social barriers. The purpose of this report is to bring their stories to light, in order to advocate for programs and policies that address their needs.