Disability Data Trends: Understanding Our Shared Future

As people age, the likelihood of experiencing a disability increases significantly. From a statistical standpoint, most individuals will encounter some form of disability during their lifetime, whether temporary or permanent. Disability is not limited to a small or separate group; it affects individuals, families, and communities across generations. Understanding this reality is essential when examining the broader, global impact of disability.

Below, we’ll examine global data surrounding disability, helping you see the scale of accessibility needs worldwide and giving you the insight needed to apply inclusive practices confidently, key skills for CPACC certification.

Understanding the Data: Why Numbers Vary

Before we explore statistics, an important note: statistical data on disability are collected and categorized in many different ways, so it's crucial to understand the context of each study.

There are general limitations in collecting disability statistics, including:

• Census surveys often do not capture detailed information about different types of disabilities.

• Disability terminology and definitions vary across countries, making direct comparisons challenging.

• Many individuals experience multiple disabilities and may not fit neatly into predefined categories.

Keep these factors in mind when analyzing and communicating statistics on disability. Despite these limitations, these statistics can provide valuable context for understanding the scale of accessibility challenges or informing effective interventions.

The Big Picture

According to the World Health Organization, 1 in 6 people worldwide live with a disability. That’s roughly 1.3 billion people (or 16% of the world’s population).

To put that number into perspective: if people with disabilities were considered a single nation, it would be the world’s most populous country, surpassing even China or India. Yet this “nation” faces systemic barriers, including reduced life expectancy, poorer health outcomes, and limited access to fundamental rights such as education and employment.

The Aging Connection

Disability is not something that only affects “other people.” Nearly half of individuals over the age of 60 experience some form of disability. For many, aging itself introduces challenges such as mobility limitations, changes in vision or cognition, and the need for assistance with daily activities. This underscores why accessibility benefits everyone, not just those with permanent or early-onset disabilities.

Consider your oldest living relative: what accessibility features do they rely on? Glasses, ramps, or larger text on a smartphone are all examples of accommodations that support independent participation.

Disability Statistics Worldwide

Now that we've established the global baseline, let's examine how disability prevalence varies across regions, revealing both universal patterns and the critical importance of understanding context when interpreting accessibility data.

Disability prevalence across the European Union and the United Kingdom is similar to trends in North America, reinforcing that disability is a widespread and consistent part of the global population. 

In the United Kingdom, the most recent Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Family Resources Survey estimates that 16.8 million people were disabled in 2023-2024(opens in a new tab), representing 25% of the total population. Among working-age adults, 10.21 million people, roughly 24%, are disabled, highlighting the significant intersection between disability, employment, and economic participation. 

Across the European Union, the pattern is strikingly similar. In 2024, 24% of the EU population(opens in a new tab) aged 16 and older was reported to have some form of disability. According to Eurostat, this equates to 107 million people.

Disability prevalence varies significantly by country. However, reliable data are challenging to obtain due to inconsistencies in data collection. While official statistics in some African nations report low percentages (2-5%), estimates from the WHO suggest that the actual figures could be as high as 15% in certain regions, influenced by factors such as conflict, poverty, and limited access to healthcare.

Specific country examples show varied prevalence rates:

• A 2025 study reported prevalence from 0.7% in Nigeria to 10.9% in the Central African Republic

• Other studies show rates from 1.7% in Mali to 17.1% in Sierra Leone

The wide range likely reflects differences in how disability is defined and measured rather than actual prevalence differences.

In India, the 2011 and 76th rounds of the National Sample Survey estimated disability prevalence at 2.2%(opens in a new tab), notably lower than the global average. This lower figure may reflect differences in survey methods and data collection rather than actual prevalence. 

In China, approximately 85 million people (6.2% of the population(opens in a new tab)) were reported to have some form of disability as of 2018, with a disproportionate number living in rural areas (75%). The prevalence varies by type of disability, with mobility and hearing impairments among the most commonly cited. 

In Japan, around 7.6% of the population (PDF)(opens in a new tab) (or about 9.63 million people) live with physical, intellectual, or mental disabilities. Disability prevalence is higher among older adults, and functional disability remains a significant social and medical concern. 

Across Asia, these figures illustrate a wide variation in reported disability prevalence, which stems from differences in survey methods, definitions, and the populations included. Taken together, they highlight the widespread nature of disability and underscore the importance of considering data context when using prevalence statistics in accessibility planning and policy. 

Southeast Asia

In Southeast Asia, an estimated 15% of the population(opens in a new tab) lives with a disability. Nearly 90 million people.

Major contributing factors include:

• High prevalence of non-communicable diseases like cardiovascular diseases (a leading cause of death)

• Injuries such as road traffic accidents, which contribute significantly to disability

• Minimal access to assistive technology in many parts of the region

In Australia, national data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ 2022 Survey of Disability, Ageing and Carers show that about 5.5 million people (21.4% of the population(opens in a new tab)) have a disability, up from previous years. This includes a higher prevalence among older Australians, with more than half of adults aged 65 years and over reporting disability.

In New Zealand, the 2023 Stats NZ Household Disability Survey found that approximately 17% of people living in households (about 851,000 individuals (PDF)(opens in a new tab)) were identified as having a disability in 2023, including 18% of adults and 10% of children. 

Additional findings from this survey include:

• Disability rates are higher for females, older people, and Māori and LGBTIQ+ populations

• Certain population groups show higher rates of disability than national averages.

• Many people with disabilities experience multiple functional disabilities, and unmet support needs remain significant.

IAAP Suggested Study Resources