Disparities in access to health and support services for people with disability in Australia: A scoping review of the structural social determinants

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First published online 23rd December 2025.


Why this study was done

People with disability in Australia often experience poorer health outcomes than the general population. While many barriers to accessing health and support services are well known, less is understood about how broader social and structural factors contribute to these inequities. This study examined the evidence on how factors such as government policy, geography, income, education, employment and culture influence access to health and disability services for people with disability in Australia.

What the study did

The researchers conducted a scoping review of Australian literature published since the introduction of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in 2013. They searched five major databases and reviewed 2,506 records, ultimately including 54 studies. The review explored how structural social determinants affect access to both health services and disability supports for people with disability across Australia.

What the study found

The review found that many people with disability face significant barriers when trying to access health care and disability supports. Bureaucratic processes, complex eligibility requirements, fragmented services and limited coordination between systems made it difficult for many people to receive the support they needed. People living in rural and remote areas often had fewer services available, while low income, unemployment, limited education, cultural barriers and discrimination further reduced access. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, and people experiencing multiple forms of disadvantage were particularly affected. The review also highlighted ongoing challenges with navigating the NDIS and accessing appropriate local services.

What this means

Improving access to health and disability services requires more than increasing service availability. Policies and systems need to be simpler, more inclusive and easier to navigate. The findings highlight the importance of designing services that recognise the diverse experiences of people with disability and address the additional barriers faced by disadvantaged communities. Future policy and research should focus on reducing inequities and ensuring that health and disability support systems are accessible to everyone, regardless of where they live or their social circumstances.


This study was conducted by: Dr. Firew Tekle Bobo, Mr Joel Hollier, Professor Ivy Yen, Dr. Kuo-Yi Jade Chang, and Professor Jenifer Smith-Merry.

To read the full article, visit the journal. 

For other accessible formats, please see the column to the right.

Disclaimer: The QDRN has utilised generative AI to refine the wording of this plain language summary. All content has been checked for accuracy, appropriate tone, and clarity and approved by the author.

First published online 23rd December 2025.


Why this study was done

People with disability in Australia often experience poorer health outcomes than the general population. While many barriers to accessing health and support services are well known, less is understood about how broader social and structural factors contribute to these inequities. This study examined the evidence on how factors such as government policy, geography, income, education, employment and culture influence access to health and disability services for people with disability in Australia.

What the study did

The researchers conducted a scoping review of Australian literature published since the introduction of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in 2013. They searched five major databases and reviewed 2,506 records, ultimately including 54 studies. The review explored how structural social determinants affect access to both health services and disability supports for people with disability across Australia.

What the study found

The review found that many people with disability face significant barriers when trying to access health care and disability supports. Bureaucratic processes, complex eligibility requirements, fragmented services and limited coordination between systems made it difficult for many people to receive the support they needed. People living in rural and remote areas often had fewer services available, while low income, unemployment, limited education, cultural barriers and discrimination further reduced access. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, and people experiencing multiple forms of disadvantage were particularly affected. The review also highlighted ongoing challenges with navigating the NDIS and accessing appropriate local services.

What this means

Improving access to health and disability services requires more than increasing service availability. Policies and systems need to be simpler, more inclusive and easier to navigate. The findings highlight the importance of designing services that recognise the diverse experiences of people with disability and address the additional barriers faced by disadvantaged communities. Future policy and research should focus on reducing inequities and ensuring that health and disability support systems are accessible to everyone, regardless of where they live or their social circumstances.


This study was conducted by: Dr. Firew Tekle Bobo, Mr Joel Hollier, Professor Ivy Yen, Dr. Kuo-Yi Jade Chang, and Professor Jenifer Smith-Merry.

To read the full article, visit the journal. 

For other accessible formats, please see the column to the right.

Disclaimer: The QDRN has utilised generative AI to refine the wording of this plain language summary. All content has been checked for accuracy, appropriate tone, and clarity and approved by the author.