Megan Spindler-Smith's Intervention from 10 June 2025 United Nations COSP - General Debate
10 June 2025
Good afternoon.
My name is Megan Spindler-Smith, and I represent People with Disability Australia, Australia's national cross-disability disabled people's organisation.
We recognise progress in advancing rights for people with disabilities under the CRPD. However, those whose experiences are shaped by intersecting marginalised identities, including women, First Nations, culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD), and LGBTIQA+ communities, face unique barriers. These are compounded by gaps in how disability is recognised and supported, especially for those in our community with non-apparent or psychosocial disabilities.
First Nations people with disability experience systemic exclusion, rooted in colonial policies, inadequate infrastructure, and deficits in accessible housing and economic participation in regional and remote areas. This perpetuates cycles of disadvantage.
CALD communities face cultural stigma, language barriers, and misdiagnosis due to culturally inflexible tools, limiting access to supports and justice.
LGBTIQA+ people with disability endure heightened risks of violence, reduced access to medical treatment, and exclusion from both disability and gender equity movements.
Research shows a need for expanded CRPD protections that explicitly address these intersectional experiences. Current policy and legislation often infringe on CRPD Articles 4, 5, and 19 for First Nations communities; create exclusion for CALD people by relying on informal supports; and worsen social and economic exclusion for LGBTIQA+ people who face "second coming out" stigma. All these issues are made worse by inequitable disability determination for those with non-apparent or psychosocial disabilities.
We ask that the CRPD guidance be reviewed to explicitly recognise the lived experiences of First Nations, CALD, and LGBTIQA+ people, as already seen in Articles 6 and 7 for women and children. We need better disaggregated data on multiply marginalised identities to inform policy and funding. Priority must be given to self-determined solutions, including direct funding for First Nations-led disability services and culturally safe pathways for all communities.
If we truly believe in "nothing about us without us ALL," we must ensure the CRPD's promise of equality for those most excluded. Let's expand our vision of inclusion to reflect the full diversity of disability experience.
Thank you.
