Learn About Disabilities

Read about different types of visual and cognitive disabilities and check out national and global data and statistics on disability. 

Learn About Visual Disabilities 

Visual disabilities include blindness, low vision, central vision loss, tunnel vision, blind spots, and colorblindness.  

Introduction to visual disabilities 

Learn the legal and medical definitions for blindness, low vision, and colorblindness. Discover the causes of these conditions and what access technologies exist to help people with visual disabilities navigate the world. 

What is blindness and low vision? 

There is a common misconception that people who are blind cannot see anything at all. Watch two short videos on what is considered normal vision, how vision is measured, and how to courteously interact with individuals who have these conditions and read about the different types of visual impairments that exist. 

Learn About Cognitive Disabilities

Cognitive disabilities is a broad term used to describe any condition that makes mental tasks more difficult than average for an individual. It is the most common type of disability, affecting 12.8% of adults living in the U.S. 

Introduction to cognitive disabilities 

Cognitive disability can be described in clinical or functional terms. Clinical diagnoses include conditions such as autism spectrum disorder, traumatic brain injury, and Alzheimer’s disease. Functional categories of cognitive disability include having difficulties with memory, problem solving, attention, reading comprehension, and more. 

What is an intellectual disability? 

Intellectual disability is a term used to describe someone with limitations in cognitive functioning and skills including social, language, and self-care skills. Learn about the criteria and causes of intellectual disabilities. 

Data and Statistics on Disabilities

Did you know that 1 in 6 people experience a significant disability? Learn more by exploring U.S. and global data on disabilities. 

Disability and Health Data System  

This database created by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides data on disability including demographics, costs and barriers of healthcare, and prevalence in different states. You can use this information for presentations and reports, to inform policymakers and community members, or simply to gain a better understanding of how disability affects people in our country. 

World Health Organization (WHO) disability fact sheet 

Read facts and numbers about disability throughout the world. Discover the factors that contribute to health inequities and what efforts WHO is making towards achieving equal heath access for all.