IIAP Domain 1 Module 3

Learning Objectives

• Understand the rationale for collecting and using disability demographics and statistics.

• Understand the limitations of developing statistics of disabilities and people living with disabilities.

• Familiarize yourself with the demographics and statistics of populations living with disabilities in various regions around the world.

Overview

• People with disabilities: Largest minority group globally.

  • Estimated 1.3 billion people experience significant disability (16% of world population, or 1 in 6).

  • Higher risk for conditions such as depression, asthma, diabetes, stroke, obesity, and poor oral health.

  • Health inequities are prevalent.

  • Accessibility issues: 15 times more difficult for persons with disabilities to find transportation compared to those without.

• Inequalities: People with disabilities face poorer health outcomes, lower education achievement, less economic participation, and a higher poverty rate due to barriers in accessing:

  • Healthcare

  • Education

  • Employment

  • Transportation

  • Information

• Disadvantaged communities: The situation is worse in conflict zones or unsafe areas.

Key Statistics from UN Fact Sheet

• 80% of individuals with disabilities reside in developing countries.

• Higher incidence of disability among women than men in most OECD countries.

• 90% of children with disabilities in developing countries do not attend school.

• Global literacy rate for adults with disabilities: as low as 3% (1% for women with disabilities).

• Under-representation of students with disabilities in higher education, although increasing.

• Unemployment as high as 80% among individuals with disabilities in some nations.

Limitations in Data Collection

• Census surveys often lack detailed information about specific disabilities.

• Variability in disability terminology across countries complicates comparisons.

• Individuals often fall between categories due to having multiple disabilities.

Analyzing Disability Statistics

• Despite limitations, • disability statistics are useful for intervention strategies and understanding issues at scale.

Example Studies

• Eurostat (EU): Disability functional status data influences public policy areas:

  • Health

  • Social Protection

  • Housing

  • Transportation

  • Culture

  • Education

  • Employment

• University of New Hampshire: Disability statistics can address key questions, including:

  • Number of people with disabilities by country/region.

  • Percentages of diverse disabilities across age groups.

  • Employment and financial conditions of persons with disabilities.

  • Rates of poverty among people with disabilities.

Connection Between Poverty and Disability

• UN's 2030 Agenda: Aims to alleviate poverty and hunger for all individuals with disabilities.

• Statistics show a higher percentage of persons with disabilities living under national/international poverty lines compared to those without.

• In developed nations, persons with disabilities are more likely to struggle affording basic needs.

• Women with disabilities face greater poverty challenges than their male counterparts.

• Households with members who have disabilities experience more food insecurity.

• Access to financial services is limited by inaccessibility.

• 20% of the world’s poorest are disabled, as systemic barriers lead to:

  • Discrimination

  • Marginalization and social isolation

  • Insufficient access to educational and healthcare services.

Cycle of Poverty and Disability

• Barriers encountered by persons with disabilities lead to:

  • Insufficient access to:

    • Education

    • Adequate housing

    • Nutritious food

    • Clean water

    • Basic sanitation

    • Healthcare

    • Credit

    • Legal rights participation

    • Workforce inclusion

Aging and Disability

• Risk of acquiring a disability increases with age:

  • Those over 70 typically spend an average of 8 years with disabilities.

  • Higher healthcare costs correlate with prolonged disability.