People with disabilities are twice as likely to be in poverty and more likely to experience poor health than others according to a report from the National Disability Authority (NDA).
It also found that they were more likely to have left school before the minimum school-leaving age and 2.5 times less likely to have a job.
The report, How far towards equality? Measuring how equally people with disabilities are included in Irish society,was unveiled in Dublin today by the Ombudsman Emily O'Reilly.
It documents the inequality faced by people with disabilities in Irish society under headings such as education, employment, earnings, relationships, health, households, transport and technology.
The report found that disability is more highly concentrated among the elderly (over 40 per cent are aged 65 plus) and among lower social groups. It also said that one in four adults with a disability has neither public nor private transport.
Commenting on the report, NDA chairwoman Angela Kerins said: "The odds of a person who has a disability participating fully in society are extremely low.
"This report highlights the areas in which action needs to be taken with immediate effect so that we can have of a fully inclusive society."
The statistics used in the report were compiled from Census figures, the NDA's own surveys and special research commissioned from the Economic Social Research Institute.
