Disabilities

Increased Likelihood of Disability

Disabilities occur at higher rates among ethnic and racial minority populations than in the majority population of the United States. Incidence and prevalence of disabling conditions among many ethnic and racial groups in the United States is higher than among Caucasians. The U.S. Census Bureau has reported that persons who are Caucasian and who are not Hispanic have low disability rates despite having a higher median age (often associated with disability) than other ethnic and racial groups. Asian Americans are the exception, although some Asian American subgroups, such as Southeast Asians from Vietnam or Cambodia, have higher rates of disability, possibly a [Page 154]result of refugee status, recent immigration patterns, lower education levels, and limited English facility.

The risk of disability is related to one's education, socioeconomic status, age, and occupation. Minority ethnic and racial groups in American society have generally lower education levels and, as a result, find themselves in lower socioeconomic status and working in jobs that have a higher risk of disability.

Health disparities also place members of these groups at higher risk of disabling complications. For example, diabetes is the leading cause of amputation among older Americans. Ethnic and racial minority populations are more likely to have diabetes, and thus a greater risk of amputation. Exposure to environmental pollutants, a result of living in low-income areas, may contribute to health problems and cause further disability.

For many persons of ethnic and racial backgrounds, having a disability directly affects their health status. An illness such as multiple sclerosis or cancer will directly affect one's health, and conditions associated with spinal injury and HIV/AIDS make people more vulnerable to infection. Health and disability are interrelated, although persons with disabilities do not like to foster the idea that disability equates with poor health.

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