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AWARENESS OF THE CAUSE

DISABILITY STATISTICS

About 56.7 million people–19 percent of the population–have a disability, according to a broad definition of disability.

DISABILITY IN THE UNITED STATES People in the oldest age group—80 and older—were about eight times more likely to have a disability as those in the youngest group—younger than 15 (71 percent compared with 8 percent). The probability of having a severe disability is only one in 20 for those 15 to 24 while it is one in four for those 65 to 69. • Adults age 21 to 64 with disabilities have median monthly earnings of $1,961 compared with $2,724 for those with no disability.

• Difficulty with at least one activity of daily living is cited by 9.4 million noninstitutionalized adults. These activities include getting around inside the home, bathing, dressing and eating. Of these people, 5 million need the assistance of others to perform such an activity. • About 15.5 million adults have difficulties with one or more instrumental activities of daily living. These activities include doing housework, using the phone,

DISABILITY AGE GROUPS

Age 5 0.8%

Age 5-17 5.4%

Age 18-34 6%

Age 35-64 13%

Age 75 + 49.8%

Age 65-74 25.4%

and preparing meals. Source U.S. Census Bureau.

Source U.S. Census Bureau.

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