The Easterseals State of Disability Equity and Access Report highlights research on equity and inclusion for 61+ million individuals in the United States with disabilities, including transportation, employment, education, and healthcare. The report is designed to inform inclusive policies and programs.
Improved access to education, employment, healthcare, and transportation for the community at large is critical to respond to the urgent and evolving needs of 61+ million Americans with disabilities. During the last 50 years, the United States has made significant progress advancing disability rights and leading accessibility on a global scale. This progress is due to landmark legislation and thanks to the advocacy by disabled civil rights leaders who boldly break down barriers, challenge perceptions, demand access, and provide a crucial baseline for future generations to build upon.
While the needs of the community are varied and great, to ensure a more equitable and inclusive future for all Americans, these pressing issues must be urgently addressed:
Education: Respond to systemic disparities, especially among Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) students with disabilities who have been most impacted; continue focus on early identification and intervention services; and remedy ongoing impacts of the COVID pandemic on disabled students.
According to the National Center for Educational Statistics, in school year 2020-21, the number of students ages 3-21 who received special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) was approximately 7.2 million, or 15% of all public-school students.
Employment: Bolster public and private sector commitments to provide disability employment opportunities and to fully embrace Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Access initiatives.
“I’m passionate about advancing disability inclusion, especially at work. Employers, take note. We are talented, resilient problem solvers with a strong work ethic and valuable perspectives. We have so much to offer and are ready and able to work.” Danny J. Gomez, Actor, Disability Advocate
Healthcare: Increase access to home- and community-based services and Medicaid funding necessary to support millions in critical need of these services.
85% of Americans with disabilities receive some type of government assistance.
Transportation: Advance accessible air travel and continue to increase mobility and access in other community transportation modes.
Low estimates are that people with disabilities in the United States – not including their caregivers, families, and friends – have some $21 billion in discretionary income available to spend on such things as travel, entertainment, and more.
Long-held, outdated stereotypes, and misguided attitudes about disability remain across every aspect of American life, regardless of legislative success or improved community outcomes for people with disabilities.
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