How many people in the U.S. have a
disability?
National Estimate
The United States Healthy
People 2010 plan, Objective 6-1 recommends using standardized
questions to include and identify people with disabilities during
surveys. At minimum, the following two questions are recommended.
-
Are you limited in any way in any activities
because of physical, mental, or emotional problems? A. Yes B.
No C. Don't know/Not sure D. Refused
-
Do you now have any health problem that
requires you to use special equipment, such as a cane, a
wheelchair, a special bed, or a special telephone? A. Yes B. No
C. Don't know/Not sure D. Refused
State
Estimate The two standardized
questions that identify people with disabilities are included in the
"core" of the state Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System for
2001, 2003 and up to date.
In 2005, disability prevalence across all 50 states
ranged from
11.4% to 25.8%, with an average or median estimate of 20%. [Chartbook]
National
Estimates
The following national surveys
include the two standardized questions that identify people with
disabilities in the "core".
U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services
-
Behavioral Risk Factor
Surveillance System
- National Survey of
Family Growth
U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census
- 2000 Census
- Survey of Income and Program Participation
- American Community Survey
[Though not in the "core", the
two questions are also hosted in the National Health Interview
Survey and the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. In
addition, the 2005 Youth Risk Behavior Survey hosted a question that
is stated, "Do you have any physical disabilities or long-term
health problems? (Long-term means 6 months or more.) A. Yes, B. No,
C. Not sure]
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