Graphic of the week: Disability Pride Month

July is Disability Pride Month, and new analysis from HPIO found that more than 1 in 3 Ohio adults (2,791,694) have a disability. This diverse group encompasses Ohioans from all backgrounds and regions of the state.

Many Ohioans will experience one or more disabilities during their lifetimes, and people with disabilities continue to face barriers that can limit their ability to thrive. Research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Urban Institute has found that experiences of discrimination and social isolation, as well as unequal access to employment opportunities and affordable health care can take a mental and physical toll on people with disabilities.

As illustrated above, 41% of Ohioans with disabilities experience frequent mental distress (14 or more mentally unhealthy days in the past 30 days), compared with 11% of Ohioans without disabilities. If that disparity was eliminated, 653,479 fewer Ohioans with disabilities would experience frequent mental distress.

Disability Pride Month happens every July to increase visibility and combat stigma faced by members of the disability community. It also marks the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, landmark legislation passed 34 years ago today on July 26, 1990, that broke down barriers to inclusion. To close gaps in outcomes for Ohioans with disabilities, HPIO’s 2024 Health Value Dashboard highlights the importance of strengthening enforcement of civil rights protections and improving accessibility in employment and healthcare settings.