Disability in America Infographic

Ian C. Langtree - Writer/Editor for Disabled World (DW)
Published: 2011/12/01 - Updated: 2022/01/31
Topic: Disability Statistics - Publications List

Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main

Synopsis: Infographic examines the subject of disability in America and highlights some of the obstacles that disabled Americans face on a daily basis. Disabilities can range from physical or mental. More than 16 million Americans have cognitive limitations or a mental illness that interferes with their daily activities.

Introduction

Disabilities affect Americans of all walks of life - from famous Hollywood stars to small town military heroes. In fact, some 54 million Americans - a full 19 percent of the non-institutionalized population - suffer from a physical or cognitive disability. This infographic examines the subject of disability in America and highlights some of the obstacles that disabled Americans face on a daily basis.

Focus

One obstacle area involves transportation. Millions of Americans use a wheelchair or a walking aid such as a cane; consequently, getting around can take a lot more effort. Nevertheless, there is some reason for optimism due to the availability of mobility products such as a wheelchair lift and handicapped vehicles like accessible vans. And there are positive trends in public transportation as well. In 2007, some 98 percent of transit buses were equipped with ramps - up from just 62 percent in 1995.

Employment represents another challenge area for America's disabled population. An estimated 14.5 percent of disabled people have been unemployed, compared to 9 percent of the general population. The numbers for people in wheelchairs are even more disturbing. Less than 20 percent of wheelchair and walker users are employed.

Another obstacle for the disabled is education. Some 28 percent of disable people ages 25 and older have less than a high school education. Just 13 percent of disabled Americans over 25 have a bachelor's degree or higher.

Disabilities can range from physical or mental. More than 16 million Americans have cognitive limitations or a mental illness that interferes with their daily activities. Despite the various challenges of their everyday lives, many Americans are able to overcome their physical or mental disabilities. Famous wheelchair users include former President Franklin D. Roosevelt and actor Christopher Reeve.

Disability in America Statistics

* Infographic of Some Disability Statistics in America courtesy of braunability.com

What the Infographic Says (For the vision impaired)

Disability in America

54 Million Americans - 19% of non-institutionalized population has a disability - 12.4% of women and 11.7% of men.

65+ = 38%

18 - 64 = 10%

5 - 17 = 5%

1 million unable to hear conversation.

1.8 million unable to see printed words.

2.5 million difficulty having their speech understood.

3.3 million use a wheelchair.

10 million use a walking aid (cane, crutches, walker)

16.1 million have limitations in cognitive functioning or mental illness that interfere with daily activities.

In 2007 98% of transit buses were ramp-equipped. Up from 65% in 1995.

Education

13% of people 25+ with a disability (1.8% of mobility device users) have a bachelors degree or higher.

28% of people 25+ with a disability (10.9% of mobility device users) have less than a high school education.

Veterans

21.9 million veterans in the U.S. in 2009.

5.5 million with a disability.

3.3 million service related disability.

652,000 service related disability rated higher than 70% on the compensation scale.

Famous

Famous wheelchair users include President Franklin D. Roosevelt, actor Christopher Reeve, and scientist Stephen Hawking.

Author Credentials: Ian is an Australian-born writer, editor, and advocate who currently resides in Montreal, Canada. He is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Disabled World, a leading resource for news and information on disability issues. With a global perspective shaped by years of travel and lived experience, Ian is a committed proponent of the Social Model of Disability-a transformative framework developed by disabled activists in the 1970s that emphasizes dismantling societal barriers rather than focusing solely on individual impairments. His work reflects a deep commitment to disability rights, accessibility, and social inclusion. To learn more about Ian's background, expertise, and accomplishments, visit his full biography.