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Illnesses and Disabilities

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American women today play many roles—mother, wife, friend, boss, employee, grandmother—and they are busy juggling families, friends, and careers. Did you know that about one in five of these women has a disability? Disabilities are physical or mental limitations that make it harder to perform normal daily activities. A disability can range from severe to mild depending on how much it limits your ability to perform normal daily activities.

Some people are born with disabilities. Some disabilities result from illness or an accident. Many disabilities come on in old age. As the number of older Americans grows, so does the number of people living with a disability. Because women live longer than men, they are more likely to be limited in the amount or kind of major activity they can perform.

Keep in mind that having a disability doesn't mean a person is unable to lead an active and fulfilling life. This web site provides information and resources important to women with disabilities, as well as caretakers, friends, family members, and others.