The Racial/Ethnic Demography of Disability

The link between the disproportionately higher disability rates of racial/ethnic minorities and five societal conditions: (a) low income and poverty; (b) employment in dangerous jobs; (c) lack of health insurance; (d) low educational attainment; and (e) faulty testing and diagnostic procedures are discussed.

Abstract

This article discusses the link between the disproportionately higher disability rates of racial/ethnic minorities and five socioeconomic conditions: low income and poverty, employment in physically dangerous jobs, lack of insurance coverage, low educational attainment, and faulty testing and assessment. Data sources and problems in obtaining accurate and meaningful statistics are outlined. Recommendations for further research to more clearly understand the link between these five conditions and disability rates are presented.