Disability Demographics, Statistics, & Etiquette

Question 1

What is the purpose of gathering statistics for disabilities?

Answer 1

Disability statistics generally highlight country and trend data to better understand disability. Data on is collected and categorized in different ways, so it is important to understand each study within its context.

Question 2

What kind of questions do disability statistics seek to answer?

Answer 2

How many people with disabilities live in a given country, region or in the world?
What are the percentages of people with different types of disabilities in different age groups?
How many people with disabilities are employed?
How much disposable income do people with disabilities have?
How many people with disabilities are below or in poverty?
How many people with disability smoke, are obesity, have diabetes or have a heart disease?

Question 3

What is the purpose of learning about Disability Etiquette?

Answer 3

Disability etiquette is a set of guidelines that explain how to approach a person with disabilities and treat them with respect.

Question 4

What considerations should be made when speaking with PWD?

Answer 4

You should speak to the person directly, not to the person accompanying them.
Do not make assumptions about what the person can or cannot do.
Since the impact of a specific disability can vary widely from person to person, you should offer assistance only if the person requests it or after you have asked their permission.
Acknowledge the individual’s ability to make decisions and judgments on their own behalf.
Use language and terminology that places people first.
Avoid referring to people by their disability