Advocacy Center

Resources, Statistics, Video

The number of Americans with a disability is significant and growing. Today, more than 54 million people in this country have a disability and this number will continue to increase as the Baby Boom generation ages.

Did You Know...?

• One in four people over the age of 50, and half the people over 65, has a disability.

• Of the nearly 70 million families in the U.S., more than 20 million have at least one member with a disability.

• The 2000 U.S. Census Bureau survey put the number of Americans over the age of 50 at 76 million. The projection is that by 2020 there will be 116 million over 50, or 36 percent of the population.

• Among the 54 million disabled:
  • 73% are the heads of households
  • 46% are married
  • 58% own their own homes
  • 48% are the family’s principle shoppers


• The aggregate income of people with disabilities tops $1 trillion, including $220 billion in discretionary income.

• There are 10 million drivers with disabilities in the U.S.

• 28 million Americans are deaf or hard of hearing.

• A study by the Open Doors Organization found that adults spent approximately $14 billion annually on travel and suggested that revenues from this market could easily double if certain needs were met and obstacles removed.

• That study also learned that 71% of people with a disability eat out at least once a week.

Resources for...

• Business or Building Owners
• Government Officials
• Lawyers / Law Professionals
• Media
• People with Disabilities
• Restaurants, Retailers
• Seniors

• Plus, Disability Etiquette
• HAVAccess, Inclusion Solutions' exclusive newsletter on Help America Vote Act (HAVA) issues
  

Statistics on People with Disabilities

There are numerous places with statistics on people with disabilities. Below are some we've found most useful.

• U.S. Census Bureau
  The leading source for data about the nation’s people and economy.
• Bureau of Labor Statistics
  Labor force statistics, work injury data.
• National Center for Education Statistics
  Information on students with disabilities.
• National Center for Health Statistics
  Comprehensive information on health including state data, data on nursing homes, and hospital bed capacity
• National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research
  Conducts comprehensive and coordinated programs of research and related activities to maximize the full inclusion, social integration, employment and independence of people with disabilities of all ages.
• National Women’s Health Information Center
  Information on women’s health including women with disabilities.
• Bureau of Transportation Statistics
  Provides information and research on domestic and international travel and geographic data.

Video Clips

Click on the links below to watch video segments on YouTube.

• Mitchell Swanson: Refueling for Disabled is Out of Reach
• Disability Refueling: Senator Chuck Graham
• Disabled at the Pump: CBS 13 Sacramento
• CBS 2 Chicago: Paralyzed at the Pump
• CBS 3 Philadelphia: Paralyzed at the Pump
• Fox 5 DC: Paralyzed at the Pump
• Refueling Investigation Report: Madison, Wisconsin News 27 (1 of 4)
• The Disability Sign Game: Gas Stations
• CBS 2 Chicago: Polling Place Accessibility

Additional Resources

We have also found the following to be excellent sources of research, insight and strategic advice:

• DeafDriveThru.com
  Helping Your Business Reach Deaf and Hard of Hearing Customers
• Solutions Marketing Group
  They provide businesses with innovative strategies that target consumers with disabilities.
• Disaboom
  A comprehensive, and evolving source of information, insight and personal interaction for the disabled community.
• Open Doors Organization
  A source of comprehensive research, training, and guidance in marketing strategies and ADA compliance, ODO gives large corporations and small businesses, alike, the tools they need to reach and serve the disability market.

How Does Your Business Meet the Need?

As a business or building owner, do you know what your legal liabilities are? Check out our Myths and Misconceptions about ADA requirements.