According to the U.S. Census Bureau, one in 5 Americans report possessing a disability. 

 

The number of people who have disabilities in the American population grows annually, keeping pace with aging Baby Boomers and the "graying of America." (Center for an Accessible Society)

Disability is highly correlated with low education, poverty, low resources, communities and individuals with low resources." (Mitchell LaPlante, NIDRR Disability Statistics Center)

2 out of every 100 children have a serious developmental disability, including mental retardation, cerebral palsy, hearing loss and vision impairment.  (Center for Disease Control)

Less than 50% of children with disabilities are identified before entering school.  (Center for Disease Control)

Children with disabilities experience…

1.5 times more doctor visits

3.5 times more hospital stays

Twice as many school absences

2.5 times the likelihood of repeating a school grade. 

(Center for Disease Control)

65% of pediatricians surveyed by the American Academy of Pediatrics said they feel inadequately trained in assessing children’s developmental status.  (Center for Disease Control)

Although developmental screening is widely recommended, there is currently no national data tracking the state of this practice.  (Center for Disease Control)