How many are studying?
Attaining a higher level of education is generally associated with better employment outcomes and higher income, which are key factors in attaining economic security and independence.
An estimated 90% of children aged 5–18 with disability go to primary or secondary school—the same as children without disability. However, people with disability aged 15–64 are less likely to be studying for a non-school qualification (10%) than people without disability (15%).
Most (86%) school students with disability go to a mainstream school, while 14% go to a special school. School students with severe or profound disability (26%) are far more likely than other students with disability (3.6%) to go to a special school.
People with disability are more likely than people without disability to leave school early and to have a lower level of education.
|
Level of educational attainment |
With disability(a) |
Without disability(a) |
|---|---|---|
|
Aged 15–64 who left school before age 16(b) |
19% |
11% |
|
Aged 20 and over who have completed Year 12 |
32% |
62% |
|
Aged 20 and over who have a Bachelor degree or higher |
15% |
31% |
(a) Living in households (2015).
(b) Who acquired disability before age 15.
Not all students with disability who need support with their education receive it.
|
Whether receives enough support in education |
Primary and secondary school students with disability(a) |
Students with disability studying for a non-school qualification(b) |
|---|---|---|
|
Do not receive or need support |
33% |
74% |
|
Do not receive support but need it |
9.3% |
7.6% |
|
Receive support but need more |
23% |
7.3% |
|
Receive support and do not need more |
35% |
12% |
(a) Aged 5–18 living in households (2015).
(b) Aged 15–64 living in households (2015).