What if education gaps by disability are being measured incorrectly? Comparisons often mix all ages, but many people acquire disabilities after finishing school, and older generations had less access to education. Comparing everyone together distorts today’s picture of inclusion.
Standard prevalence rates underestimate the true impact of disability. When linked, for example, to poverty or extra expenditures of living, its effects extend to entire households.
When comparing employment outcomes for persons with and without disabilities, the unemployment rate is often the first statistic cited. But does it tell the full story? This month, we explore why focusing on employment rates (and those outside the labour force) provides a more accurate picture of the barriers adults with disabilities face in accessing work.
The US Census Bureau announced a proposed change to how it identifies people with disabilities in its data collection, switching from the existing six disability questions in the American Community Survey (ACS) to the Washington Group Short Set (WG-SS) of six questions. This has caused concern in the US disability community, but I believe it would be a significant improvement in US data.
Official Development Assistance (ODA – also known as aid) has huge potential as a resource to realise the rights of persons with disabilities.