Individuals with Disabilities
This indicator represents the number and percentage of individuals with disabilities. The U.S. Census Bureau reports disability status in hearing, vision, cognitive, ambulatory, self-care, and independent living categories.
Why is it important?
To ensure a safe and supportive community for all, individuals must be aware of the dynamics surrounding different types of disabilities, which may involve challenges with mobility, daily tasks, or self-care. Communities become resilient through heightened awareness and commitment to making accommodations for those with disabilities. This data helps identify disparities and gaps in access to opportunities, services, and resources, ultimately informing policies and programs to improve the well-being and inclusion of people with disabilities.
How is the region performing?
The percentages of individuals with disabilities dropped slightly in Luzerne and Wayne Counties from 2020 to 2022 before increasing slightly in 2023. Conversely, the proportion of the Lackawanna County population with a disability has grown since 2010. The percentages of individuals with at least one disability living in the three counties have been consistently higher than the share for Pennsylvania.
As of 2023, a plurality of residents with a disability in the three-county region report ambulatory disabilities (at 26.5 percent), followed in proportion by people with cognitive disabilities.