Man with two prosthetic legs hiking in forest

Living with a disability or chronic illness affects millions of Americans, shaping not only individual experiences but also how society responds to diverse abilities and health conditions. More than 1 in 4 adults (28.7 percent) in the United States have some type of disability, while more than half of US adults had 1 or more of the following 10 chronic conditions: arthritis, cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, coronary heart disease, current asthma, diabetes, hepatitis, hypertension, stroke, and weak or failing kidneys. These statistics highlight how common these experiences are, challenging assumptions about what constitutes "normal" health.

For many people with disabilities, the greatest barriers aren't medical conditions themselves, but society's response to difference. Buildings without ramps, websites without screen readers, and workplaces without flexible policies create obstacles that transform physical or mental differences into disabilities. Understanding this distinction — between impairment and disability — helps us recognize that many challenges faced by people with disabilities stem from environmental and social barriers rather than individual limitations.

Table of Contents

  • What Conditions Are Considered Chronic Illnesses?
  • Chronic Illness Statistics
  • What Conditions Are Considered Disabilities?
  • Disability Statistics
  • Ableism and Discrimination
  • Mental Health and Disabilities
  • Chronic Illness and Disability in Children and Young Adults
  • Adults with Newly Acquired Disabilities
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • How Therapy Can Help

What Conditions Are Considered Chronic Illnesses?

Chronic illnesses are health conditions that persist for extended periods, typically lasting a year or longer according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Unlike acute illnesses that resolve relatively quickly, chronic conditions often require ongoing medical attention and may limit daily activities. Defining and measuring chronic conditions remains an evolving challenge in healthcare.

The distinction between chronic illness and disability isn't always clear-cut. A person with diabetes might manage their condition effectively with minimal impact on daily life, while another person with the same diagnosis might experience significant limitations. This variability underscores how chronic illness exists along a spectrum of experiences.

Common types of chronic illnesses include:

  • Autoimmune diseases: lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis
  • Metabolic disorders: type 2 diabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
  • Chronic pain conditions: fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, chronic back pain
  • Cardiovascular conditions: hypertension, coronary heart disease, heart failure
  • Respiratory conditions: asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
  • Mental health conditions: depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder
  • Neurological conditions: epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease

Some conditions, like fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome, have only recently gained recognition in the medical community. Others, such as long COVID, represent emerging chronic conditions that challenge our understanding of long-term illness. Many people live with symptoms for years before receiving an accurate diagnosis, highlighting the importance of patient advocacy and persistent healthcare engagement.

Chronic Illness Statistics

The prevalence of chronic illness in America has increased significantly over recent decades. In 2018, more than half of US adults had 1 or more of the following 10 chronic conditions: arthritis, cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, coronary heart disease, current asthma, diabetes, hepatitis, hypertension, stroke, and weak or failing kidneys. Current estimates suggest that approximately 60% of American adults live with at least one chronic disease.

The burden of chronic disease extends beyond individual health impacts. These and other chronic diseases are the leading causes of illness, disability, and death and the leading drivers of health care costs in the US. The economic impact reaches hundreds of billions of dollars annually in healthcare costs and lost productivity.

Recent research on chronic pain specifically reveals its widespread impact. This systematic review and meta-analysis identified 376 studies comprising 347,468 individuals with chronic pain from 50 countries, with a pooled prevalence of 39.3% for depression and 40.2% for anxiety, demonstrating the complex relationship between physical and mental health in chronic conditions.

What Conditions Are Considered Disabilities?

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) defines disability as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. This definition encompasses a wide range of conditions and recognizes that disability exists on a spectrum. The same condition might be disabling for one person while causing minimal impact for another, depending on factors like severity, available supports, and environmental barriers.

13.9 percent of U.S. adults have a cognition disability with serious difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions. 12.2 percent of U.S. adults have a mobility disability with serious difficulty walking or climbing stairs. These statistics represent just two of many disability types recognized under federal law.

Common categories of disabilities include:

  • Mobility disabilities: conditions affecting movement, including paralysis, cerebral palsy, amputation
  • Sensory disabilities: blindness, low vision, deafness, hard of hearing
  • Cognitive disabilities: intellectual disabilities, traumatic brain injury, learning disabilities
  • Mental health disabilities: major depression, schizophrenia, PTSD, anxiety disorders
  • Chronic health conditions: when they substantially limit major life activities
  • Developmental disabilities: autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, fetal alcohol spectrum disorders

Disability Statistics

Current data reveals the substantial presence of people with disabilities in American society. The Centers for Disease Control, from the 2022 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, show that more than 1 in 4—over 70 million—adults in the United States have a disability. This represents approximately 27% of the adult population, making people with disabilities one of the largest minority groups in the country.

Among different demographic groups, disability rates vary significantly. Among the major race and ethnicity groups, people who are White (about 13 percent) or Black or African American (about 14 percent) had a high prevalence of disability. Age also plays a crucial role: In 2025, half of those with a disability were age 65 and over, compared with about 18 percent of those with no disability.

Employment statistics highlight ongoing disparities. In 2023, the labor force participation rate (24.2 percent) and the employment–population ratio (22.5 percent) for people with a disability continued to rise. However, The employment–population ratio for people with no disability was 65.8 percent in 2023, nearly three times the rate of people with a disability. By 2024, the employment–population ratio for people with a disability reached a series high of 22.7 percent since data were first reported in June 2008, showing gradual progress while highlighting persistent gaps.

Ableism and Discrimination

Ableism — discrimination and prejudice against people with disabilities — remains a pervasive barrier to full social participation. Recent computational research shows that major sentiment and toxicity detection models encode explicit bias against people with disabilities, demonstrating how ableism extends even into artificial intelligence systems.

Ableism operates at multiple levels:

Individual Ableism

This includes personal prejudices, stereotypes, and discriminatory behaviors. Common examples include:

  • Assuming people with disabilities are less capable or intelligent
  • Speaking to a companion instead of directly to the person with a disability
  • Making unsolicited comments about "inspiration" or "overcoming"
  • Refusing to provide reasonable accommodations

Institutional Ableism

The findings highlighted rates and types of workplace ableism, which occurred at the institutional (i.e., inaccessible environments, physical barriers and unsupportive work environments) and individual level (i.e., negative attitudes, bullying, harassment). Institutional barriers include:

  • Inaccessible buildings and transportation systems
  • Inflexible work or school policies
  • Healthcare systems that lack appropriate accommodations
  • Educational settings without adequate support services

Structural Ableism

Structural Ableism: The broadest level, comprising societal norms, resource distributions, legal regimes, architectural designs, public policy, and cultural imaginaries that systematically devalue and disadvantage disabled people as a class. Such oppression may manifest in underfunded disability services, lack of accessible public transportation, urban design that prioritizes staircases over ramps, and laws that inadequately protect against discrimination.

Research reveals concerning patterns of workplace discrimination. The findings highlight the rates of workplace ableism, factors affecting workplace ableism (i.e., type of disability, gender, education level, lack of employers' knowledge about disability), ableism in job searching and anticipated ableism. The review also noted the impact of workplace ableism, which included pay discrimination, lack of job supports and social exclusion, job turnover and unemployment, and discrimination allegations and charges. Our findings reveal the stark prevalence of workplace ableism among youth and young adults with disabilities.

Intersectional Discrimination

The findings highlighted rates of workplace ableism and racism (including discrimination allegations and perceived discrimination); types and forms of experiences arising from the intersection of ableism and racism (including unique individual stereotyping and systemic and institutional discrimination); and the role of other demographic variables. The intersection of ableism and racism impacted labour market outcomes, well-being in the workplace, and career/professional advancement.

Common stereotypes that perpetuate ableism include:

  • People with disabilities are always sick or suffering
  • Disabled people cannot be independent or successful
  • Disability defines a person's entire identity
  • People with disabilities are not interested in relationships or sexuality
  • Disabled people need to be "fixed" or "cured"

Mental Health and Disabilities

Mental health conditions represent a significant portion of disabilities in the United States. In 2024, 23.4% of adults (or 61.5 million people) had AMI [any mental illness] in the past year. Among these, 5.6% of adults (or 14.6 million people) had SMI [serious mental illness] in the past year.

The relationship between mental health and disability is complex and bidirectional. Living with a disability can increase the risk of developing mental health conditions due to factors like:

  • Social isolation and discrimination
  • Chronic pain or health management stress
  • Financial strain from medical costs and employment barriers
  • Lack of accessible mental health services

Recent data shows concerning trends in treatment access. Among the 61.5 million adults aged 18 or older in 2024 with AMI in the past year, 52.1% (or 32.0 million people) received any mental health treatment in the past year. This means nearly half of adults with mental illness don't receive treatment.

Young people face particular challenges. The percentage of youth ages 12 to 17 who had a major depressive episode in the past year declined from 20.8% in 2021 to 15.4% in 2024, showing some improvement. However, Among adolescents aged 12 to 17 years in 2024, 18.8% (nearly 1 in 5) had moderate or severe symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) including 10.6% who had moderate symptoms and 8.2% who had severe symptoms.

Chronic Illness and Disability in Children and Young Adults

Children and young adults with disabilities face unique challenges navigating educational systems, social relationships, and the transition to adulthood. In school year 2022–23, across the 50 states and the District of Columbia, the percentage of public school students served under IDEA ranged from 12 to 21 percent.

Recent data shows concerning trends in special education enrollment. From fall 2022 to fall 2023, the number of IDEA-eligible students increased by 3.4% to a total of 7,892,433. If that pace of recent years keeps up, the U.S. will gain 1 million IDEA-eligible students in just five years.

Among students who were served under IDEA in school year 2022–23, the disability types with the largest reported percentages of students were autism (13 percent). Students with developmental delays, intellectual disabilities, and emotional disturbances accounted for 7, 6, and 4 percent of students served under IDEA, respectively.

The most rapidly growing category is autism. The IDEA disability category showing the largest year-over-year increase is autism, with a nearly 10% increase. The Education Department data aligns with research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which found that 1 in 36 8-year-olds had autism diagnoses in 2020. That's up from 1 in 44 in 2018 and 1 in 150 in 2000. Autism is about 4 times more common in boys than girls.

Common childhood chronic conditions include:

  • Asthma: The most prevalent chronic illness in children
  • Type 1 diabetes: Requiring daily management and monitoring
  • Epilepsy: Affecting learning and social development
  • Congenital heart conditions: Varying in severity and impact
  • Cerebral palsy: Affecting movement and posture
  • ADHD: Impacting attention, behavior, and learning

Children with disabilities are entitled to educational support under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which guarantees a free appropriate public education (FAPE) and requires schools to develop Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) tailored to each child's needs.

Adults with Newly Acquired Disabilities

Acquiring a disability in adulthood presents unique psychological and practical challenges. Unlike those who grow up with disabilities and may develop coping strategies and community connections over time, adults with newly acquired disabilities often experience:

  • Identity disruption: Struggling to integrate disability into self-concept
  • Grief and loss: Mourning previous abilities and lifestyle
  • Social changes: Navigating shifted relationships and social roles
  • Practical challenges: Learning new ways to accomplish daily tasks
  • Employment concerns: Adapting to or finding accessible work
  • Financial stress: Managing medical costs and potential income loss

Common causes of newly acquired disabilities include:

  • Traumatic injuries (spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury)
  • Stroke or other vascular events
  • Progressive conditions (multiple sclerosis, ALS)
  • Cancer and its treatments
  • Mental health crises
  • Long COVID and post-viral syndromes

The adjustment process often involves working through internalized ableism — negative beliefs about disability absorbed from society. Therapy can provide crucial support during this transition, helping individuals process emotions, develop coping strategies, and connect with disability communities and resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a chronic illness and a disability?

A chronic illness is a long-lasting health condition requiring ongoing medical management. A disability is a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits major life activities. Many chronic illnesses can cause disabilities, but not all do. The distinction often depends on severity and how the condition impacts daily functioning.

How common are disabilities in the United States?

More than 1 in 4 American adults (approximately 27%) have some type of disability. This makes people with disabilities one of the largest minority groups in the country. Disability rates increase with age, with about half of people with disabilities being 65 or older.

What are reasonable accommodations in the workplace?

Reasonable accommodations are modifications that enable employees with disabilities to perform job functions. Examples include flexible schedules, ergonomic equipment, screen readers, sign language interpreters, remote work options, or modified break schedules. Employers are required to provide these unless they cause undue hardship.

Can mental health conditions be considered disabilities?

Yes, mental health conditions can qualify as disabilities under the ADA when they substantially limit major life activities. This includes conditions like major depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, schizophrenia, and severe anxiety disorders. Protection exists regardless of whether symptoms are controlled with medication or therapy.

How can I support someone with a disability?

Listen to their needs and preferences rather than making assumptions. Respect their autonomy and privacy. Offer assistance but accept if it's declined. Use person-first or identity-first language based on their preference. Advocate for accessibility and inclusion. Educate yourself about ableism and work to challenge it.

What resources are available for people with newly acquired disabilities?

Resources include vocational rehabilitation services, independent living centers, disability advocacy organizations, peer support groups, assistive technology programs, and mental health counseling. The ADA National Network provides information about rights and accommodations. Many condition-specific organizations offer education and support.

How Therapy Can Help

Therapy provides valuable support for individuals and families navigating chronic illness and disability. A skilled therapist can help address:

  • Adjustment and acceptance: Processing emotions related to diagnosis or changes in abilities
  • Identity integration: Incorporating disability or illness into self-concept
  • Coping strategies: Developing practical and emotional tools for daily challenges
  • Relationship changes: Navigating shifts in family, romantic, or social relationships
  • Advocacy skills: Learning to communicate needs and assert rights
  • Mental health: Managing depression, anxiety, or trauma related to health experiences
  • Pain management: Developing psychological strategies for chronic pain
  • Career transitions: Adapting work life or exploring new paths

Family therapy can help households adjust to a member's disability or chronic illness, improving communication and support systems. Group therapy with others facing similar challenges can reduce isolation and provide peer support.

When seeking therapy, look for providers who:

  • Have experience with disability and chronic illness
  • Offer accessible spaces and communication methods
  • Demonstrate cultural competence around disability
  • Respect your expertise about your own condition
  • Focus on your goals rather than "fixing" disability

Many therapists now offer teletherapy, which can improve access for people with mobility limitations, transportation barriers, or energy management needs.

[Find a therapist near you](https://www.goodtherapy.org/find-therapist.html) who understands the unique challenges of living with chronic illness or disability. The right support can make a significant difference in quality of life and overall well-being.

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