Missouri, the Show-Me State, is home to a diverse population of over 6 million residents. Among them, a significant number live with disabilities, necessitating robust programs and policies to ensure their rights and accessibility. This article provides an in-depth look at Missouri’s disability landscape, including demographics, state-specific statistics, resources, and relevant laws and regulations.
Demographics and Population Data
As of the 2020 Census, Missouri’s total population was approximately 6,168,187. Of this, 10.7% identify as Black or African American, 4.6% as Hispanic or Latino, and 76.6% as White. The state has a median household income of $46,550 for residents aged 65 and older. (ltsschoices.aarp.org)
Disability Statistics
In 2018, 14.8% of Missourians reported a disability. The prevalence varies by age:
- 0.9% for individuals aged 4 and under
- 6.3% for those aged 5 to 15
- 12.8% for individuals aged 21 to 64
- 28.5% for those aged 65 to 74
- 49.6% for individuals aged 75 and older
- Ambulatory difficulties: 8.3%
- Cognitive difficulties: 6.1%
- Independent living difficulties: 6.5%
- Hearing difficulties: 4.3%
- Visual difficulties: 2.6%
- Self-care difficulties: 2.9%
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): Prohibits discrimination based on disability in employment, public services, and accommodations.
- Missouri Human Rights Act: Prohibits discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations.
- Missouri Assistive Technology Act: Provides access to assistive technology devices and services for individuals with disabilities.
- Missouri Disability Portal: A comprehensive resource providing information on programs, services, and rights for Missourians with disabilities. (disability.mo.gov)
- Missouri Assistive Technology: Offers assistive technology services and devices to enhance independence. (at.mo.gov)
- Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services: Provides health and senior services, including programs for individuals with disabilities. (health.mo.gov)
- Missouri | Long-Term Services and Supports State Scorecard
- State Resources – MO AT
- State of Missouri Disability Portal
The most common disability types include:
Employment and Economic Participation
The employment rate for working-age individuals (ages 21 to 64) with disabilities in Missouri is 36.2%. Notably, 50.2% of people with disabilities did not work, with higher non-employment rates among those with cognitive (54.7%), hearing (39.2%), ambulatory (68.8%), and visual (47.3%) disabilities. (sourceamerica.org)
State Laws, Regulations, and Policies
Missouri adheres to several federal and state laws to protect the rights of individuals with disabilities:
Local Resources and Contacts
Missouri offers a variety of resources to support individuals with disabilities:
Comparisons with National Averages
Missouri’s disability prevalence rate of 14.8% is slightly higher than the national average of 12.6%. The employment rate for individuals with disabilities in Missouri (36.2%) is lower than the national average of 38.4%. (disabilitystatistics.org)
Conclusion
Missouri is committed to supporting its residents with disabilities through various programs, resources, and legal protections. While challenges remain, ongoing efforts aim to enhance accessibility, employment opportunities, and overall quality of life for individuals with disabilities across the state.