Illnesses and Disabilities

E-mail this page to a friend

Home >

American women today play many roles — mother, wife, friend, boss, employee, grandmother — and they are busy juggling families, friends, and careers. Did you know that as many as 1 in 5 of these women has a disability? Disabilities are physical or mental limitations that make it harder to perform normal daily activities. A disability can range from mild to severe depending on how much it limits your ability to perform normal daily activities.

Some people are born with disabilities. Some disabilities result from illness or an accident. Some disabilities are visible to others — such as blindness or paralysis. But many are not. Many disabilities come on as people age. As the number of older Americans grows, so does the number of people living with a disability. Because women live longer than men, women are more likely to be limited in the amount or kind of major activity they can perform.

Keep in mind that having a disability doesn't mean a person is unable to lead an active and fulfilling life. This section of womenshealth.gov provides information and resources important to women with disabilities, as well as caregivers, friends, family members, and others.

Content last updated September 22, 2009.