A Youth19 Brief: Young People with Disabilities

Most young people with disabilities reported positive family and school environments, high rates of volunteering, and moderate or good health. However, members of this group also reported major inequities compared to others, including increased concerns about housing, poor healthcare access, and ethnic discrimination by healthcare providers. They reported inequities in feeling safe at school, and very high levels of mental health concerns. Overall, they reported more challenges than their peers without disabilities. We can improve the wellbeing of young people with disabilities by ensuring that they and their whānau are free from discrimination and have the support, housing, income and resources they need to fully participate in society. We also need to ensure that young people feel safe and welcome in all settings, their voices are heard and acted upon, their health needs are met, and they have futures they can look forward to