About this evaluation

The Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing (DHDA) has asked ARTD, our project partners and a team of people with disability to learn about how Australia’s Disability Strategy 2021–2031 (the Strategy) is working. This is called an evaluation.

The Strategy helps ensure all governments play a role in removing barriers and improving outcomes for Australians with disability.

You can find more about the Strategy on Australia’s Disability Strategy Hub on the Disability Gateway, including information in Easy Read and videos in Auslan.

What questions will the evaluation answer?

The evaluation will look at:

• if the Strategy is doing the right things to make things more inclusive and improve the lives of people with disability
• what systems and organisations are doing to be more accessible and inclusive
• how the experiences of people with disability in Australia have changed over the past 5 years
• if the Strategy is creating social and economic value.

The Strategy started in 2021, so we are asking about what has changed in the past 5 years.

The Strategy is different to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). We won’t ask any questions about the NDIS or changes to the NDIS in this evaluation.

How can I get involved?

You need to be 18 or over to get involved. We explain how you can get involved via the following links:

When we say people with disability, this means people who self-identify as having a disability, including a physical, sensory, intellectual or psychosocial disability. We know that often people have multiple roles, such as having a disability and being a carer or working with a disabled people’s organisation. You can share your thoughts about all of these roles if you want to.

I have more questions – who can I ask?

The ‘Toolkit for engaging people with disability in evaluation’ has been developed to support people with disability, families and allies to engage in evaluation. It has a checklist and other useful fact sheets to support you to make a decision to get involved in an evaluation.

If you have questions, reach out to our team at [email protected] or 0483 699 258.

You can find out more information on the Learn more about the evaluation section of this website.

What if I need an adjustment or support to get involved?

We can support different communication needs in consultations, and arrange accommodations so you can take part in a way that works for you.

This may include:

• Auslan interprers
• Captioning or live transcription
• plain English or Easy Read information
• support to use communication devices
• support to take part online, by phone, or with a support person.

You can let us know what you need when you register to take part.

You can find out more about adjustments and supports in evaluation in Fact sheet 1 of the Toolkit for engaging people with disability in evaluation.

What if I need support?

Some people may find talking about their experiences or hearing about other’s experiences upsetting or distressing.

There are also places you can make a complaint about service or report abuse.

You can find a range of information and support services on our website.

Who reviewed this evaluation?

Iris Ethics has reviewed and approved this study in accordance with the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (2025). The approval number is 4990 – S00216.