Families
People with Disabilities
People with disabilities, 14.3% of all Arizonans, are the second largest minority population in the state of Arizona and their numbers will continue to grow as Arizona’s population ages. As the number of people with disabilities increases, so will the demand for removing obstacles to their full participation in society.
The Americans With Disabilities Act is a legal mandate that requires all public services to promote accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities. This is accomplished by removing barriers in areas such as employment, telecommunications, public accommodations, state and local governments, and transportation. While all of these areas have improved since 1990, employment and poverty rates for this population still remain largely unchanged—not only here in Arizona but nationally. Barriers, such as stairs, lack of interpreters, and negative stereotypes in the workforce may all contribute to the high unemployment and poverty rates affecting Arizonans with disabilities. This section contains information on the prevalence of disabilities, labor force participation, and poverty rates. These data show how Arizona is doing and can inform future planning to ensure that all Arizonans have the opportunity to lead full, successful lives.
