Disability News, Benefits, and Health Resources
Seventy million American adults live with a disability. Another 1.3 billion people worldwide (about the combined population of Europe and North America) share that experience, roughly 16 percent of the global population.
Disabled World (DW), also known to many readers as Disability World, reports on the policies, research, benefits, and assistive technology that shape their lives. Coverage centers on the United States: Social Security and SSI payments, Medicare and Medicaid rules, accessibility law, and medical research relevant to American readers. International stories appear where they intersect with American policy or practice. Disabled World has been publishing since 2004 under the banner Towards Tomorrow. Learn more about us.
"Disability is the only minority group that anyone can join at any time." - a widely shared saying in the disability community, often attributed to American comedian Josh Blue.
Popular Pages
Disability Loans and Grants
Financial assistance programs for low-income families, seniors, and disabled students.
Famous People with Disabilities
Well-known people with various disabilities and conditions who have contributed to society.
Disability and Health Statistics
Data, charts, and facts on prevalence, demographics, and trends.
Awareness Ribbon Colors
Guide to awareness ribbon colors for health, medical conditions, disability, and other causes.
Child to Teen Height to Weight Ratio Charts
Average height-to-weight ratios for children and teens, organized by age.
Recent Disability News and Information
Franklin D. Roosevelt: Polio, Disability and Presidency
How Franklin D. Roosevelt governed with paralysis after polio, relying on leg braces, wheelchairs, aides, Warm Springs and a carefully managed public image. Published: 11 Nov 2026.
Oksana Masters: Adapting Performance to a Changing Body
Paralympian Oksana Masters medaled in rowing, Nordic skiing, biathlon and cycling, showing how elite performance adapts as amputation and injury reshape a body. Published: 8 Nov 2026.
Charles Schwab and Dyslexia: Building Around Weak Spots
How Charles Schwab, diagnosed with dyslexia at 47, built a business by hiring for his deficits, and why the dyslexia superpower story overlooks the real lessons. Published: 5 Nov 2026.
Helen Keller: Language Access, Education and Independence
Helen Keller's path from childhood gestures to Radcliffe and socialist writing shows how access to language, books and teaching shaped her independent thought. Published: 2 Nov 2026.
Disability Pluralism: Understanding Many Ways of Being Human
Pluralism in disability explained: how the social model, the UN CRPD, Deaf culture and neurodiversity frame disability as a valued part of human diversity. Published: 31 Oct 2026.
Paper2Audio: AI Text-to-Speech App for Documents and Books
Paper2Audio is an AI text-to-speech app that turns PDFs, research papers, textbooks and ebooks into natural audio for people with dyslexia, ADHD or low vision. Published: 30 Oct 2026.
Newly Updated Pages
Roanoke, Virginia Travel Guide: Blue Ridge Mountain Town: Roanoke, Virginia travel guide covering Blue Ridge Mountain attractions, museums, trails, the Roanoke Star and Blue Ridge Parkway, with notes on accessibility.
Cribbage Jake: Play Free Online Crib Against the Computer: Play Cribbage Jake free online against a computer opponent with no download, plus a complete guide to crib scoring rules, terms, pegging, and smart strategy.
Disability Voices in Tidal Basin and FDR Memorial Plans: FDR Memorial Legacy Committee urges the Tidal Basin Ideas Lab to include disability leaders and Universal Design in plans for the FDR Memorial and National Mall.