Time trends in post-school outcomes for young Australians with intellectual disabilities.

BACKGROUND

Young people with intellectual disabilities experience persistent disadvantages in post-school outcomes. This study examined trends in post-school outcomes for young Australians with intellectual disabilities over a 10-year period, relative to peers with other disability types or no disabilities.

METHOD: Using data from four waves of the Survey of Disability, Ageing and Carers (2012-2022), outcomes were examined for 20-29-year-olds with intellectual disabilities. Outcomes across five domains were examined: school completion, further education, labour force participation, income and government support.

RESULTS

Analyses showed a persistent pattern of inequality across all domains. While secondary school completion improved, these gains did not translate to further education or employment - gaps widened in both areas. Economic inequality, including low income and reliance on government support, remained unchanged.

CONCLUSION

Despite major policy investment, outcomes remain poorer for this group. Greater focus on inclusion and coordinated cross-sector support is required to address entrenched inequities.