Disability and Health State Chartbook - 2006 Profiles of Health for Adults With Disabilities

Disability and Health State Chartbook - 2006 Profiles of Health for Adults With Disabilities

What do we mean by “people with disabilities”?

We know that people have many types of disabilities. Some disabilities are easy to see, such as when a person uses a wheelchair or when someone has lost an arm. Other disabilities, like intellectual disability (mental retardation) or a chronic condition like arthritis, may not be as easy to see. Some people may live with a disability all their lives. Others may have a disability when they are young or as an older adult.

Good health is important for all people, including people with disabilities. Sometimes it can be more difficult for a person with a disability to live a healthy life. For example, people who use wheelchairs may not be able to get into a gym to exercise, or a person who is deaf may not be able to communicate directly with his or her doctor. Public health and people with disabilities must work together to remove barriers to health.