Disabilities are very common in the United States. One report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that 28.7 percent of American adults have at least one disability. This is more than one out of every four people in the country, so it is very likely that everyone at least knows someone who is dealing with a disability. This is why the CDC says that “disability impacts all of us.”
That being said, there is a wide spectrum of disabilities. Some people have multiple, while others may only fit into one category. It is important to understand which disabilities show up most often in the United States.
The top 6 disabilities
Per the same CDC report, the following are the most common disabilities reported in adults:
- Cognitive issues, such as serious difficulty making decisions, remembering things or concentrating, affect 13.9 percent of Americans.
- Mobility issues, such as difficulty climbing stairs or walking, affect 12.2 percent.
- Independent living disabilities, such as the inability to do errands alone, affect 7.7 percent.
- Hearing disabilities, including complete deafness and serious difficulty hearing, affect 6.2 percent.
- Vision disabilities, such as significant trouble seeing or full blindness, affect 5.5 percent.
- Self-care disabilities, such as difficulty showering or dressing, affect 3.6 percent.
People who have these disabilities, or a combination of the above, may find it difficult to work and afford even the basic necessities they need in life. That is why it is so important that they and their family members understand what options they may have to seek benefits through the Social Security Administration.