They also want research that takes a collaborative approach, incorporating issues of self-help, consumer control and respect for life experiences into the broader study of health care, rehabilitation and independent living.
People can become disabled at any point in their lives.
Disability may be present from birth, or result from an accident in youth, a work-related injury, the aging process or a multitude of other causes. If we, ourselves, do not experience a disability, perhaps we will be caring for a disabled child, spouse, parent or friend. The chances that we will be affected by a disability have increased due to advances in medical technology that have expanded our life expectancies. At this point, disability ranks among the nation s biggest public health concerns, encompassing an estimated 52 million Americans. The ultimate goal is to allow these individuals to perform their regular activities in the community and to bolster society s ability to provide full opportunities and appropriate supports for its disabled citizens.