One in Four Idaho Adults Affected by Disability, CDC Report Finds

Why it matters locally: The CDC's report highlighting that one in four U.S. adults live with a disability is directly relevant to Idaho, impacting nearly 500,000 residents based on our state's population. This statistic underscores the critical need for accessible healthcare, support services, and inclusive community planning throughout Idaho. Businesses must consider accessibility to cater to a significant portion of the population, and the State government must ensure that policies and programs adequately address the needs of individuals with disabilities, including employment opportunities, transportation, and social services.

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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.