First Nations people with disability are among the most seriously disadvantaged and disempowered members of the Australian community, facing discrimination at multiple intersections, including racism and ableism. Our community is heavily over-represented in the justice and child protection systems, and under serviced or receiving sub-quality service in areas of need such as education, employment, health, disability assessments, and the NDIS.
Photo by Belinda Mason OAM ©
International Engagement
FPDN has a proud and longstanding history of engaging in international development and human rights advocacy — work that continues to this day.
We played a key role in establishing and chairing the Global Network of Indigenous People with Disabilities, creating a vital platform for Indigenous voices in global disability advocacy. In 2002, FPDN CEO Damian Griffis played a key role in establishing the Pacific Disability Forum (PDF), an organisation FPDN remains actively involved in today, with Damian currently serving as Co-Chair.
FPDN has also represented the rights and interests of First Nations people with disability at numerous United Nations forums in New York and Geneva.
These include the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women, the UN Committee Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment, the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child, and the UN Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
In addition, FPDN has engaged in bilateral activities and knowledge-sharing with Disabled Peoples Organisations in Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea, strengthening regional partnerships and promoting the rights of Indigenous people with disability across the Pacific.
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 human rights training programs are free for First Peoples with disability and their carers.
Policy & Research
We represent the interests of First Peoples with disability and their families at all levels of government to help shape more culturally informed policies and practices.
Sector Strengthening
Strengthening the Aboriginal community-controlled sector is a key priority for us under the Closing the Gap National Agreement.
FPDN has a proud and longstanding history of engaging in international development and human rights advocacy — work that continues to this day.
First Peoples Community Fast Facts
24
%
of people aged 15-35 years had a disability
69
%
of those with a disability needed assistance with daily activities
16
%
of First Nations people with disability completed Year 11 or 12
56
%
with disability were not in the labour force (compared to 24% without disability)
50
%+
widespread estimates suggest 50 to 95% of First Nations individuals in contact with the justice system have a disability or significant impairment*
