In the state of Rhode Island, there are about 145,445 adults 18 and over who experience disability, representing 17.8% of the population. 18.2% or 80,274 are women, and 17.3% or 65,181 are men.

Figure 1. Rate of Disability by Age Group. Of people, aged 18 to 44, 11.9% report disability; for those age 45-64, the rate increases to 22.3%, and those 65 and over, 28.4% report disability.

Figure 2. Rate of Disability by Race-Ethnicity. In Rhode Island, the rate of disability among Hispanics is 20.3%; the rate of disability among Asian or Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander is not applicable. Not applicable for Native Americans report disability, and not applicable for Black Non-Hispanics report disability. For White, non-Hispanics the rate of disability is 17.6%.

Figure 3. Self-Reported Health Status.  64.8% of people without disabilities report excellent or very good health, while 30.8% of people with disabilities report excellent or very good health. 26.6% of people without disability report good health, compared to 30.2% of people with disabilities, and 8.6% of people without disability report fair/poor health compared to 38.9% among those with disability.

Figure 4a. Health Behaviors. Smoking. 21.8% of people without disabilities report smoking, compared 33.8% or people with disabilities. Obesity 16.5% of people without disabilities report obesity, compared to 25.8% people with disability. Physical Inactivity. 21.8% of people without disability report physical inactivity compared to 33.8% or people with disabilities.

Figure 4b. Immunizations. Flu (past year). 34.8% of people without disabilities have gotten a flu immunization in the past year, compared to 40.9% or people with disability. Pneumonia (ever). 22.4% of people without disability have ever received a pneumonia shot, compared to 31.0% of people with disability.

Figure 4c. Health Coverage-Adults Under Age 65. Among people aged 18 to 44, 86.6% of those without disability have health care coverage compared to 86.5% of those with disability. Among those aged 45 to 64, 92.3% of those without a disability have health care coverage, compared to 90.9% of those with a disability.

Figure 4d. Continuous Health Care Provider by Age Group. For those aged 18 to 44, 76.8% of people without disability have a continuous health care provider, compared to 77.9% for those with a disability. For those aged 45-64, 91.0% of people without a disability report continuous health care provider, compared to 90.3% of those with a disability, and for those aged 65 and older, 95.4% of people without a disability report continuous health care provider, compared to 95.9% of those with a disability.