Disabilities in America
Source: Dreamscape / July 17, 2023
In the United States alone, 48.9 million people have at least one form of disability. From physical impairments to mental ones, these challenges pose limitations on their lives and the world’s accessibility. To put that number into perspective, take a look around you next time you’re in a public space. Count the number of people you see, and then compare it to the statistic that one out of every five Americans has a disability. How many people in the room would that equal? The truth is you don’t have to look far to find someone who struggles with the daily challenge disabilities present. Twenty percent of our fellow Americans need some form of assistance to help them live their lives to the fullest.
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The study indicates that 12.5 million Americans may experience changes in their lung impairment classification. For instance, an additional 430,000 Black people would be diagnosed with moderate to severe COPD, while 1.1 million fewer white patients would receive such diagnoses.
National Siblings Day, celebrated each year on April 10th, is a day set aside to honor the unique relationships between siblings. It’s an opportunity to reflect on the bonds of love, friendship, and the deep connections that develop over a lifetime. For families with a sibling who has a disability, this day carries additional significance, offering a chance to acknowledge the distinctive experiences these relationships bring, as well as the mutual support and understanding that flourishes within them.
An article by Hansi Lo Wang with NPR is a must read for everyone with a disability. The recent Census Bureau proposal aims to modify the methodology for estimating the number of people with disabilities in the United States. The proposal has sparked debates among disability advocates who express concerns about potential changes to the disability questions on the annual American Community Survey, fearing it could impact the accuracy of government statistics and allocation of federal funding.
At a Minor League Baseball game in South Carolina, 13-year-old Sawyer McCarthy moved the audience to tears with his rendition of the national anthem. Sawyer’s performance at the Columbia Fireflies on April 28 went viral, amassing over 5.5 million views on Facebook. His mother, Brianna McCarthy, expressed immense pride as Sawyer’s voice resonated globally, uniting people from various countries.
Different colors evoke different emotional and physical responses and, perhaps, especially so among certain people with disabilities. Maybe that’s why color therapy, also known as chromotherapy, has become an increasingly popular alternative wellness method. But beyond the walls of color-coded medical facilities and therapy centers, the concept of intentionally tapping into colors can easily be applied at home. So, grab a paint brush and coat your walls with the best paint colors for people with disabilities.
Discriminatory comments made last year by Candace Owens, a popular political analyst, have resurfaced following fresh criticism by actress Christina Applegate. Applegate, who has been vocal about her multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnosis, just recently discovered the previously released video-commentary of Owens spewing disparaging remarks about Kim Kardashian’s Skims’ adaptive undergarment line and, more specifically, the entire disability community.
Disability advocates are encouraging allies and the community at-large to put their best foot forward on World Down Syndrome Day. The call-to-action is simple: just wear colorful, mismatched socks on March 21. The purpose of this fun fashion statement is to create much-needed conversations surrounding Down syndrome. About 1 in every 800 babies is born with Down syndrome, according to Down Syndrome International.
Shopping options for adaptive products just got a little better! You see, following a downturn in sales, QVC, a televised shopping network, is strategically positioning a celebrity spokesperson aligned with the disability community to help boost sales, specifically of QVC’s adaptive product line. Actress, author and disability advocate Selma Blair will serve as the new QVC Brand Ambassador for Accessibility.