Data based on analysis of the American Community Survey (ACS) by Cornell University Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Disability Demographics and Statistics (StatsRRTC).

Data apply to non-institutionalized men and women, aged 21 to 64 years, all races, regardless of ethnicity, with all education levels in the United States.

Bjelland, M.J., Erickson, W. A., Lee, C. G. (2008, November 8). Disability Statistics from the American Community Survey (ACS). Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Disability Demographics and Statistics (StatsRRTC). Retrieved December 1, 2008 from http://www.disabilitystatistics.org

NA: Data are not available.

Disability: According to the Census Bureau, the ACS definition of disability is based on three questions. (1) Does this person have any of the following long-lasting conditions: (a) blindness, deafness, or a severe vision or hearing impairment? [Sensory Disability]; (b) a condition that substantially limits one or more basic physical activities such as walking, climbing stairs, reaching, lifting, or carrying? [Physical Disability] (2) Because of a physical, mental, or emotional condition lasting six months or more, does this person have any difficulty in doing any of the following activities: (a) learning, remembering, or concentrating? [Mental Disability]; (b) dressing, bathing, or getting around inside the home? [Self-Care Disability] (3) Because of a physical, mental, or emotional condition lasting six months or more, does this person have any difficulty in doing any of the following activities [asked of persons ages 16 and older]: (a) going outside the home alone to shop or visit a doctor’s office? [Go-Outside-Home Disability]; (b) working at a job or business? [Employment Disability]. A person is coded as having a disability if he or she or a proxy respondent answers affirmatively for one or more of these six categories.