In Alabama in 1998, 2,252 individuals between the age of 18 and 96 years responded to the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). Four questions indicated a general disability prevalence rate. Further, a question about trouble learning, remembering or concentrating was used to screen for individuals with a learning disability. Comparisons were made between those 1) reporting no disability, 2) reporting general disability, and 3) responding yes to the learning disability question. Unweighted data were used in these analyses. About 32% of the respondents answered yes to one or more of the general disability screener questions. When the learning disability question was examined separately nearly 12% had trouble learning, remembering, or concentrating. No racial differences were observed. On other major demographic indicators those reporting disability were worse off than those without disability, and those with a learning disability were even less well off. By age groups: among 18-34 year olds 10% reported disability, 12% a learning problem; in 35-54 year olds 31% reported disability, 33% a learning disability; for the 55+ group 59% reported some disability, 56% had a learning disability. People with disabilities married less and divorced more. One-third reporting any disability did not finish high school; 41% with a learning disability did not have a high school education. More than 50% with learning problems and 40% of people with general disability earned less than $20,000/ year; 18% with no disability reported incomes below $20,000 per year. Additional comparisons on other health risks in the BRFSS will be reported.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participants in this session will be able to: 1. Describe differences found between people with disabilities, people without disabilities, and those with a learning-related disability; 2. Recognize the potential implications of the findings for the quality of life for people with disabilities; and 3. Articulate potential implications for the findings for disability policy and practice
Keywords: Quality of Life, Disability
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.