One of the foremost efforts by accessibility advocates worldwide is to provide accessibility to millions of individuals with disabilities across both physical and digital spaces. In this article, we’ll explore the most common disabilities in the world, how they impact individual lives, and key statistics that provide an overall picture of individuals ranging from those with mobility impairments to those who are cognitively impaired.
We’ll also examine age-related disability statistics and the challenges individuals with disabilities face in their personal lives and workplaces. Additionally, we will note how accessibility overlay widgets like Accessibly transform the browsing experience on websites and mobile applications.
How Many People with Disabilities Are There? [U.S. & Global]
With roughly 15% of the global population suffering from a partial or total disability, the wide-ranging effects of poorly optimized websites and mobile applications can cause irreversible damage to individuals, businesses, or organizations looking to create inclusive environments.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the percentage of adults in the United States with disabilities goes up to 26%, with mobility impairments being the most common disability.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the percentage of adults in the United States with disabilities is even more significant, with mobility impairments being the most common.
Today, the need for accessible websites has never been greater. These websites serve the needs of individuals with disabilities, whether it’s a child, a group of children, a person suffering from diabetes, or anyone else.
Types of Common Disabilities
Let’s explore five of the most common types of disabilities—mobility, visual, hearing, cognitive, and speech disorders. We will also discuss the most common struggles and types of accessibility improvements/assistive technology used to improve each group’s web and mobile browsing experience.
Mobility Impairments
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 1.7 billion people have some mobility impairment or any number of medical disabilities, with an even more significant percentage of older adults aged 65 and older (close to 30%).
Mobility impairments include but are not limited to cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, nervous system disorders, and different types of learning disabilities, as well as the following:
- Arthritis: Strong joint inflammation
- Muscular Dystrophy: Muscle weakness and loss of muscle mass over time
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS): Affects the central nervous system, resulting in several physical and cognitive impairments
Among the most common disabilities, mobility impairments affect virtually all areas of life, from climbing stairs to performing daily household chores, with an increased likelihood of experiencing a lower quality of life.
Visual Impairments
Visual impairment encompasses any condition that affects a person’s ability to see, ranging from partial sight to total blindness. Globally, approximately 2.2 billion people are affected by some form of visual impairment.
Hearing Impairments
Any partial or total inability to hear refers to a hearing impairment. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), roughly 1.5 billion people suffer from this disorder.
Common conditions that cause deafness or hearing loss include but are not limited to noise-induced hearing loss and Meniere’s disease. Age-related hearing loss and genetic conditions like Waardenburg syndrome lead to progressive hearing loss and even changes in pigmentation over time.
Naturally, noise-induced hearing loss is caused by long-term exposure to loud sounds, such as working in a construction environment or participating in regular conversations. Other hearing impairments, such as Meniere’s disease, also result in progressive hearing loss for most people.
There are also genetic hearing impairments such as Pendred syndrome, which can result in degraded hearing loss over time.
Cognitive Disabilities
Any disability that affects an individual’s ability to think and process information can be classified as a cognitive disability, learning disability, or intellectual disability.
Examples include:
- Intellectual Disabilities: Affecting around 7% of adults in the U.S., intellectual disabilities affect one’s ability to perform everyday tasks with or without reduced mobility or accommodations
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): These cognitive impairments are caused by a collision, such as a blow to the head, the effects of which may be short-term or long-term.
- Learning Disabilities: These include conditions like dyslexia and dyscalculia that disturb normal learning processes.
In the United States, one in six children has a developmental disability, which may impact virtually all areas of life from academics to daily living.
One of the most significant cognitive disabilities in the United States is Alzheimer’s disease. A type of dementia, it affects mainly older adults over the age of 65 and causes limitations through progressive memory loss, which impacts speech patterns and social behavior.
In this case, many personal life support services, such as home health aids, assistive technology, and other ongoing training resources, are available to help these individuals with greater disability severity and diminished life skills contribute and lead more productive lives.
Common conditions that cause cognitive impairments include but are not limited to Down syndrome, Alzheimer’s disease, autism, and dementia.
Speech Disorders
You may have a speech disorder if you have difficulty producing sounds with constant challenges and verbal communication. This results in differences in terms of rhythm of speech, clarity, and accuracy.
Speech impediments affect children and adults equally, although adults can develop them more easily, such as through neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease.
Common conditions that cause speech disorders include stuttering, dysarthria, and speech apraxia, which affect one’s ability to manipulate facial muscles to form words. Speech apraxia is a speech disorder in which the brain and muscles cannot connect to coordinate speech.
One of the most essential roles in addressing speech disorders is that of a speech-language pathologist (SLP). SLPs are specialists who can work with individuals to strengthen their muscles and improve speaking ability. They also have access to many alternative communication tools if users’ voices are completely lost.
Recognizing these common disabilities creates a sense of urgency in promoting accessibility, no matter what your business or work environment represents. By addressing these health conditions, we can create a more inclusive environment for people with disabilities worldwide.
Statistics and Facts
Here are some insightful statistics and facts about disability statistics, broken down by global and age-related disabilities.
Global Related Disabilities
For starters, roughly 15% of the world’s population suffers from a full or partial disability, translating to more than 1 billion people worldwide (World Health Organization).
Within the United States, roughly 13.7% of the population has mobility impairments (e.g., arthritis, muscular dystrophy), versus 1.5 billion people worldwide suffering from hearing impairments and one in seven people with a cognitive disability.
Age-Related Disabilities
For starters, the National Eye Institute estimates that roughly 37 million Americans over 50 have a visual impairment, which may require corrective measures such as cataract surgery, intensifying prescriptions, or addressing macular degeneration.
At the same time, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, 28% of adults aged 52 and older with moderate to severe hearing loss have difficulty with daily activities.
Lastly, on the subject of cognitive decline, an estimated 6 million Americans 65 or older have Alzheimer’s disease, with nearly one in three seniors dying from dementia alone.
Impact of Disabilities on Daily Life
Here are five challenges individuals with disabilities can expect to face in their personal lives and the workplace.
Limited Mobility
Those suffering from limited mobility may have difficulty climbing stairs, running, carrying boxes while standing, and similar activities. As a result, users who use wheelchairs could rely on home health aides or other dependents to help increase their autonomy. Two examples of individuals with limited mobility are those who have multiple sclerosis (MS) or spinal cord injuries.
Navigating Public Spaces
Today, the Americans with Disabilities Act calls for accessibility improvements across public spaces. For example, this could involve traffic signals, Braille displays at public bus stops, widened entryways, additional wheelchair parking spaces at your local Walmart, or tying in assistive technology with the everyday experience.
Let’s remember home modifications, such as grab bars and stairlifts.
Sensory Overload
This is especially an issue for those who have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), as sensory overload in everyday settings from loud sounds or flashing lights can overwhelm users at times.
Some tried-and-true solutions to reduce sensory overload for ASD individuals include designated quiet areas in public, providing noise-canceling headphones, and offering a wide array of sensory toys that allow them to manage their senses in a more balanced way.
Physical Workspace
Organizations have improved accessibility in their spaces by implementing features such as ramps, elevators, and adjustable-height desks and chairs for individuals with mobility impairments.
Accessible Team Communication
Another critical aspect of accessibility is effective team communication. It helps organizations comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and allows every team member to collaborate efficiently, ensuring all voices are heard.
Examples of popular tools for accessible team communication include Microsoft Teams (complete with accessibility features such as live captioning), Zoom (especially good for sign language interpretation), and Otter.ai, which provides real-time transcription tools that allow individuals with disabilities to read whatever is spoken out loud during work sessions.
The Importance of Web Accessibility
The importance of web accessibility cannot be understated. It ensures explicitly that all individuals with disabilities enjoy full and equal participation in physical spaces and online environments.
According to the World Health Organization, 16% of the world’s population has some kind of disability. As a result, accessible websites for doing everything from paying utility bills to accessing college syllabuses are all the more critical.
Today, there are many accessibility features individuals, business owners, and web developers can use to promote inclusivity. Features include but are not limited to alternative text for images, screen reader compatibility, and ensuring effective keyboard navigation so all website functions can be performed using simple keyboard shortcuts.
A Word On Accessibly
Today, there are many accessibility features individuals, business owners, and web developers can use to promote inclusivity.
Features Accessibly offers include but are not limited to alternative text for images, screen reader compatibility, and ensuring effective keyboard navigation where all website functions can be performed using simple keyboard shortcuts.
Download the Accessibly plugin today!
Every individual no matter the severity of his/her physical disabilities is entitled to equal access to goods and services, both online and offline. As business owners, web developers, and advocates, we can strive to create a world where individuals of all backgrounds and abilities can thrive, allowing them to reach their full potential.
In a world filled with opportunities for growth, accessibility features should be a part of every experience, providing people with disabilities the means to lead fulfilling lives and participate actively in society. By providing accessible tools and resources, we can create a culture of inclusivity and empower individuals to achieve their goals.
