The NSW Disability Inclusion Act 2014 (DIA) defines disability as: “The long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairment which in interaction with various barriers may hinder the full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others”. The term ‘disability’ can also include d/Deaf or hard of hearing people and people with mental health conditions.
Create NSW uses the Social Model of disability. This identifies the barriers in society as being the disabling factors that prevent or limit opportunities. Disability may be permanent or temporary and may not be visible. Mental health and Neurodivergence is included in this definition. This definition is different to using the condition, illness, or loss/lack of function as the way of defining people. d/Deaf and hard of hearing people are eligible to apply as artists living with disability.