Understanding Disabilities, Are They on the Rise?

Disabilities often fall into three broad categories: physical, psychiatric, or cognitive. In today’s classrooms and communities, discussions about disability are more common, especially among educators, families, and healthcare professionals. Many people are wondering if we are seeing a real increase in disabilities or if we are simply better at identifying and understanding them.  

In her book Disability Across the Developmental Lifespan (2nd Edition), Dr. Julie Smart outlines the key reasons why the number of people with disabilities seems to be increasing:  

First, improvements in neonatal and emergency medicine mean that more people survive early life complications and serious accidents. While this is a success for modern medicine, it also means more individuals live with long-term health and developmental needs.  

Second, people in general are living longer, including those with disabilities. Longer lives often bring more age-related issues that naturally add to the total number of people needing support.  

Third, we have gotten better at counting. Improved diagnostic tools, wider awareness, and more inclusive data collection have made it possible to identify people who might have gone unnoticed or unsupported in the past.  

Finally, there has been a change in how we define disability. Our understanding is more inclusive, allowing us to recognize and validate a broader range of experiences.  

Overall, these changes mean that nearly one in five Americans is now living with a disability.  

What This Means for Schools  

In education, this reality is reflected in the rising number of students who qualify for special education services. Diagnoses like autism, and ADHD under Other Health Impairment are now more widely identified.

For schools, this creates both opportunities and challenges. Educators must meet a wider range of needs, which requires training, resources, and teamwork. It also means rethinking classroom designs, moving towards environments that are flexible, inclusive, and focused on strengths instead of limitations. Students with disabilities are not defined by their diagnoses. They are individuals with dreams, talents, and the potential to thrive, especially when the right support is in place.  

What This Means for Families  

For families, this changing landscape can feel like a mixed experience. On one hand, receiving a diagnosis may bring answers and access to services. On the other hand, navigating the special education system can be overwhelming, especially if the process feels clinical or confusing.  

That’s where partnership is crucial and where the right educational advocate will help. When families and schools work together, sharing knowledge, advocating for what is best, and listening with compassion, students benefit. Families know their children best, while educators provide expertise on how to support learning. Both perspectives are essential.  Advocates work as liaisons for this relationship.

When the relationship between home and school is strong, students are more likely to feel seen, understood, and supported.

Citation:

Smart, J. (2021). Disability Across the Developmental Lifespan (2nd ed.). Springer Publishing.