Overview

• Nearly 49 million Americans are affected by disabilities
• 3.6 million, or 7%, American children between the ages of 5 and 15 have disabilities
• More than 2.8 million families are raising at least one child with a disability between the ages of 5 and 17, representing 1 out of every 26 American families or nearly 1 out of every 10 families raising children
• Due to advancements in medical technology individuals with disabilities are living longer and forming a larger portion of the population

Types Of Disabilities

• Physical disabilities are those conditions that result in various levels of mobility impairment or limitations in the ability to perform basic physical activities
• Physical disabilities include cerebral palsy, neuromuscular diseases, spina bifida and traumatic brain injuries
• Physical disabilities may be the result of either acquired or congenital causes - existent at birth or resulting from accident or illness
• 14% of children with disabilities have a physical disability

• Developmental disabilities are those conditions that result in various levels of cognitive, behavioral, emotional or social impairment
• Developmental disabilities include such conditions as down syndrome, autism and various learning disabilities
• Developmental disabilities are generally existent from birth, though are sometimes not immediately diagnosed
• 62% of children with disabilities have a developmental disability

• Sensory disabilities are those conditions that result in the loss or partial loss of vision or hearing
• Sensory disabilities may be the result of either acquired or congenital causes - existent at birth or resulting from accident or illness
• 14% of children with disabilities have a sensory disability

Critical Areas Of Need

• Disabilities often cause "a cycle of de-conditioning" in which physical functioning deteriorates leading to still lower activity levels
• Deprivation of sufficient activity and recreation often leads to the development of secondary disabilities and conditions
• Children deprived of activity have a higher incidence of obesity and other health complications
• Activity can help build skeletal muscle, maximize performance and agility and improve heart health
• Play is vital for normal growth, development and health for children of all abilities
• 10% of American children have a disability that prevents them from using or enjoying most public playgrounds with their peers

• Proper medical care and rehabilitation are imperative for children with disabilities to develop to their maximum potential

• Social and self-help skills are critical for any child with disabilities to learn play and succeed
• Skills may be developed through alternative instructional models, cooperative learning and other methods of early inclusion

• Children with disabilities, particularly sensory disabilities, require access to adaptive technologies and techniques, such as Braille, to learn and succeed independently

• Early childhood special education and family support are crucial to the healthy and successful development of children with disabilities
• Parents of children with disabilities require resources to properly care for their child
• Families need community support to be able to participate in activities and lead the lifestyle desired for their child