Disabilities are far more common in the U.S. than people realize. According to some reports, for instance, roughly 28.7% of adults have a disability of one type or another. This means that disability status applies to more than one out of every four people, so most Americans either have a disability themselves or know someone who does.
What exactly do these disabilities look like? There are a wide range, so let us break down some of the most common types.
Cognitive disabilities
The most common type of disability is mental or cognitive. This could include memory issues, learning disabilities, difficulty concentrating and things of this nature. It comes in at 13.9% of all disabilities.
Mobility issues
Next, at 12.2%, are mobility-related disabilities. These could include an inability to climb stairs, serious difficulty walking and much more. These physical disabilities often mean people cannot work.
Independent living
Third, 7.7% of Americans have a disability that makes it difficult for them to live on their own. They may not be able to take care of themselves or have difficulty doing errands and tasks around the house.
Hearing and vision
Finally, many disabilities are related to hearing – such as deafness or reduced hearing ability – or to vision. This could include difficulty seeing details or full blindness. Hearing disabilities come in at 6.2% of the total, while vision disabilities account for the next 5.5%.
Seeking disability benefits
Those who have one or more of these disabilities may find it impossible to work and may qualify for certain government benefits. It is important for them to understand what legal steps to take to seek the benefits they deserve.