Population Distribution

• 41.3 million Number of people who have some level of disability. They represent 15 percent of the civilian noninstitutionalized population 5 and older.
By age:

• 6 percent of children 5 to 15 have disabilities
• 12 percent of people 16 to 64 have disabilities
• 41 percent of adults 65 and older have disabilities

• 16% Percentage of females with a disability, compared with 14 percent of males.

Using or Needing Assistance

• 10.7 million Number of disabled people 6 and older who need personal assistance with one or more activities of daily living (such as taking a bath or shower) or instrumental activities of daily living (such as using the telephone). This group amounts to 4 percent of people in this age category.
• 2.7 million Number of people 15 and older who use a wheelchair. Another 9.1 million use an ambulatory aid such as a cane, crutches or walker.     Next »