More Than a Billion People Live with Disability

There are 1 billion people in the world who live with a disability, according to a new report by the World Health Organization and the World Bank. Twenty percent of these people must face significant learning or physical issues.

The report asserts that few countries have the tools to adequately support those with disabilities and that more needs to be done to encourage their participation in and contributions to their communities.

“Disability is part of the human condition,” said WHO Director-General Margaret Chan in a statement. “Almost every one of us will be permanently or temporarily disabled at some point in life. We must do more to break the barriers which segregate people with disabilities, in many cases forcing them to the margins of society.”

The WHO says that such barriers for disabled people include fewer economic opportunities, higher rates of poverty, generally poorer health, and lower education achievements–and that these people are often up against discrimination.

For instance, people with disabilities are said to have a 50 percent greater chance of working with a healthcare provider who’s unable to meet his or her needs. Likewise, disabled persons are three times more likely to report being denied crucial healthcare.

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Do you think disabled people are discriminated against?

If you need help with your Social Security Disability benefits, contact the Social Security Disability lawyers at Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin.