Disability Service Access Barriers for Refugees

Abstract Background At a time when refugee numbers are increasing worldwide the human rights of refugees with disability are topical. In Australia, government policy changes have led to increases in the number and diversity of people from refugee backgrounds entering the country. However, a mixture of national and state-based systems for refugee screening, assessment and support create barriers for people from refugee backgrounds accessing health, disability, housing and refugee support services. This study examines experiences of Syrian and Iraqi families with refugee background in New South Wales (NSW) and Victoria, Australia, caring for a loved one with disability. The study explores barriers encountered by people from refugee backgrounds at the intersection of health, disability and refugee settlement services. Methods A participatory action research method was used to collect data from 39 participants from refugee backgrounds in NSW and Victoria supporting someone with disability. Four online and one face to face workshops were facilitated by a co-researcher with disability communicating in Arabic and English. Participants were asked about experiences accessing refugee support services in NSW and Victoria. Results The Levesque, Harris and Russell framework was used to categorise participant experiences of systemic and service user barriers when seeking health, disability, housing and refugee support services. Barriers included lack of service system transparency, difficulties in accessing information about services and supports, and participant mistrust in the service system and those who worked in it. Participants’ cultural and language needs were not understood by service providers. Some participants’ understanding of disability and appropriate service responses varied from the Australian perspective, and their expectations of the service system’s focus impeded their ability to seek out services and support, with understandable emotional impacts. Conclusions The Levesque framework is useful for understanding practical service system barriers and identifying possible solutions to enable people from refugee backgrounds caring for someone with disability to seek out and engage with services and support. Culturally appropriate health promotion, service system coordination, and staff training in respect and understanding of the rights of people with disabilities from refugee backgrounds and the refugee experience are needed to improve access.