National Disability Independence Day
National Disability Independence Day is observed in the United States on July 26. It commemorates the anniversary of signing the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) in 1990. The ADA is a landmark civil rights legislation that criminalizes any discrimination against individuals with disabilities and ensures that they receive equal rights. National Disability Independence Day serves as a reminder of the importance of the ADA in promoting equality and inclusion for people with disabilities. This day also raises awareness and acknowledges and promotes the rights of individuals with disabilities.
5 facts about disabilities you may not know
27% of adults in the United States have some type of disability (1).
The most common type of disability in the United States is ambulatory disabilities, which affect a person’s mobility (2).
People with disabilities find unaffordable and inaccessible transportation 15 times more difficult than those without a disability (3).
Not all disabilities are visible. Invisible disabilities are disabilities that are not immediately apparent. Examples include mental health disabilities, learning and cognitive dysfunctions and chronic pain (4).
Globally, 46% of adults over the age of 60 have one or more disabilities (5).
Sources:
"Disability Impacts All of Us", Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 15 May. 2023, https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/disabilityandhealth/infographic-disability-impacts-all.html#61%20Million%20Adults%20in%20The%20United%20States%20Live%20with%20A%20Disability.
Elflein, John., "Disability in the U.S. - Statistics & Facts", Statista, 11 Nov. 2022, https://www.statista.com/topics/4380/disability-in-the-us/#topicOverview.
"Disability", World Health Organization, 7 Mar. 2023, https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/disability-and-health.
Schumer, Lizz., "What Is an Invisible Disability? Why Invisible Disabilities Matter", Prevention, 20 Mar. 2023, https://www.prevention.com/health/a41248327/what-is-an-invisible-disability/.
"Ageing and disability", United Nations, https://www.un.org/development/desa/disabilities/disability-and-ageing.html#:~:text=More%20than%2046%20per%20cent%20of%20older%20persons,million%20older%20people%20experience%20moderate%20to%20severe%20disability.