Here are some facts from the U.S. Census Bureau about disabled Americans and how they are represented in the workplace:
- In America, there are 54 million people with disabilities. That represents 19% of the civilian noninstitutionalized population.
- Five percent of children ages 5 to 17 have disabilities; 10% of people 18 to 64 have disabilities; and 38% of adults 65 and older have disabilities.
- There are 13.3 million 16- to 64-year-olds who reported difficulty finding a job or remaining employed because of a health condition.
- Of people 21 to 64 having some type of disability, 46% are employed. The employment rate ranges from 75% of those with a nonsevere disability to 31% with a severe disability. For those without a disability, the employment rate is 84% for the same period.
- Of people 21 to 64 with difficulty hearing, 59% are employed. The corresponding percentage for those with difficulty seeing was 41%.
- Of people 21 to 64 with a nonsevere disability, 48% work full-time. This compares with 63% without a disability and 16% with a severe disability.