CDC Report: One in Four Alabama Adults Affected by Disability

Why it matters locally: The CDC's report indicating that one in four U.S. adults lives with a disability is particularly relevant to Alabama and its over 5 million residents. Given Alabama's key industries and its significant population, this statistic suggests that a large portion of Alabamians – potentially upwards of 1.25 million individuals – cope with disabilities affecting their mobility, cognition, hearing, vision, or independent living. This has direct implications for the state's healthcare system, social services, and workforce participation rates. The need to have effective and accessible services for all of its citizens that address and support disabilities with be required to support a positive quality of life.

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Atlanta, GA - A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that one in four adults in the United States, representing 61 million individuals, live with a disability. The findings were published in the CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. The report defines a disability as a condition that affects major life activities. These activities can include, but are not limited to, mobility, cognition, hearing, vision, and independent living. Researchers analyzed data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) to determine the prevalence of disability across the nation. The CDC report aims to provide data to inform public health initiatives and support programs designed to improve the lives of people with disabilities.