“To be an Aboriginal person living with disability is a double disadvantage. When are we going to change that?”
— Uncle Lester Bostock OAM, Founding Elder
We are the national voice of and for First Nations people with disability, their families and communities. Guided by our Founding Elders and grounded in culture, we walk alongside communities across Australia — listening, learning and creating systemic change.
What we do
Advocacy
We offer free advocacy services that act on your behalf to promote, protect, and defend your rights— ensuring your voice is heard and respected.
Training
Our internationally recognised training builds knowledge for First Nations people with disability and guides respectful partnerships with organisations.
Policy
We represent the interests of First Nations people with disability and their families at all levels of government to help shape more culturally informed policies and practices.
Resources
Strengthening the Aboriginal community-controlled sector is a key priority for us under the Closing the Gap National Agreement.
We have a vision of a just and inclusive society, in which First Nations people with disability are respected and valued for their culture, history and contribution to contemporary life, and their human rights are respected, protected and fulfilled.
Our work
FPDN is leading efforts to build a First Nations community-controlled disability sector that is responsive, inclusive, accessible and enabling for First Nations people with disability.
Nationally, FPDN is guided by the Disability Sector Strengthening Plan (DSSP) that was developed to support achievement of Priority Reform Two of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap. The DSSP outlines high-level priorities and actions at a national level.
First Peoples Community Fast Facts
24
%
of people aged 15-34 had a disability
12
%
had a profound or severe limitation
71
%
of those with disability (over 5 years of age) had a schooling or employment restriction
20
%
reported experiencing at least one form of abuse or neglect
44
%
of primary carers had a disability themselves
Australian Bureau of Statistics, & Avery, S. (2025, February 25). Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with disability, 2022. Australian Bureau of Statistics. https://www.abs.gov.au/articles/aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-peoples-disability-2022
Latest News
“Managed neglect,” First Nations disability peak body responds to the 2026-27 Federal Budget
“Managed neglect,” First Nations disability peak body responds to the 2026-27 Federal Budget
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Reform without cultural safety will fail First Nations people with disability, again
Reform without cultural safety will fail First Nations people with disability, again
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Court finds police assaulted First Nations man and denied wheelchair access: FPDN demands action
Court finds police assaulted First Nations man and denied wheelchair access: FPDN demands action
Read MoreUnlawful torture via starvation: Don Dale practices breach Australia’s anti-torture obligations, FPDN warns
Unlawful torture via starvation: Don Dale practices breach Australia’s anti-torture obligations, FPDN warns
Read MoreMeet our partners
