A survey by Enabled Youth Disability Network (EYDN) has found that transport barriers are significantly limiting the lives of young people with disability in the Barossa region.

EYDN is a disability-led organisation run by and for young people aged 18–30, and recently established a Barossa peer network in Nuriootpa to create connection, build confidence and support independence.

The transport survey received 17 responses, including 12 from the Barossa region. While the sample size is small, EYDN Connector Scarlet Secomb says the findings reflect consistent issues raised through its local peer network and community engagement.

“Transport barriers and challenges accessing independence come up regularly in conversations with young people in the Barossa. Without reliable options, it becomes much harder to take part in work, education and community life,” she said.

More than half of respondents (56%) said it is “very difficult” to get places, with a further 31% saying it is “sometimes difficult”. Almost all respondents (94%) said lack of transport access has stopped them from doing something they wanted or needed to do.

Reliance on others emerged as a major issue. Seventy‑one per cent of respondents said they rely “completely” on others for transport, with 77% identifying this reliance as a key barrier.

One young person from Nuriootpa described the emotional impact of this dependence, saying it made them feel “useless, sad, isolated”.

Respondents said transport challenges are affecting their ability to participate in everyday life, including:

  • seeing friends or attending social events (82%) 
  • accessing work or job opportunities (59%) 
  • getting to medical appointments (59%) 
  • attending community programs (59%). 

For some, the impact extends to education. A Kapunda resident respondent said, “I cannot study online so without public transport I have no chance to study.”

Another respondent highlighted the social impact of not being able to drive: “If you don’t drive you have to say no to most things … because sometimes people don’t want to have to get you first.”

Other common barriers included limited service availability and routes (71%), long travel times (53%), cost (47%), anxiety or confidence when travelling (47%), accessibility (24%), lack of information about available options (24%), and safety concerns (18%).

When asked what would help, respondents most often said:

  • more transport services or routes (59%)
  • better information about existing options (59%)
  • lower costs (41%)
  • support person options (41%)
  • more flexible booking (29%)

EYDN says regional factors – including fewer services, longer distances and limited local opportunities – can increase isolation for young people with disability.

EYDN Project Lead Nina Caines said the peer network aims to support both individuals and systemic change.

“Through the peer network, young people can share their experiences and identify the barriers affecting them. That insight helps inform advocacy to improve access, inclusion and opportunities both locally and across South Australia.”

The survey findings will be used to inform advocacy with local stakeholders, particularly around improving transport services and making existing options easier to understand and access.

About Enabled Youth Disability Network (EYDN)

Enabled Youth Disability Network (EYDN) is an incorporated organisation run by and for young people with disability between 18-30 years. EYDN is dedicated to amplifying the voices and aspirations of young persons with disability in South Australia. We do this through systemic advocacy, co-designing and facilitating peer networks and capacity building activities. EYDN’s work is auspiced by JFA Purple Orange and overseen by a board of young people with disability aged between 18-30 years.

EYDN’s events and programs provide opportunities to create community, develop self-advocacy and build confidence during the transition into adulthood. EYDN provides learning and development opportunities for young people with disability to support confidence in education, employment, independence, and human rights.