Report: realizing disability equity, improving disability access and inclusion
Underwritten by Voya, findings from Easterseals state of equity and access research findings were released in late April in Washington, D.C.
Improved access to education, employment, health care 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 U.S. 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.
It has been more than 30 years since the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and, in many respects, it is time for a modern-day refresh: updated legislation and a civic movement to build upon this baseline to truly meet the current needs of the disability community. It is now time to ensure people with disabilities, older adults and veterans have every opportunity to contribute to their communities and build lives of their choosing.
Disability impacts us all. In the U.S., one in four individuals identify as having a disability.1 The disability community is unique — it is the largest, most intersectional and most diverse minority group in America. It is also the only minority group that anyone can “join” at any point in their lives — through birth, injury, accident, disease or simply through aging.
This Easterseals report examines the disparities and opportunities and highlights the most pressing issues and solutions to move forward to ensure disability equity across America. The report compiles a 2023 baseline of existing data around the social determinants of health for people with disabilities. Our intention is to annually track and highlight progress to enhance advocacy efforts on behalf of, and in partnership with, the disability community to improve disability outcomes and equity in education, employment, health care and transportation.
1. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/disabilityandhealth/infographic-disability-impacts-all.html