MOBILITY DEVICE USE IN THE UNITED STATES: DISABILITY STATISTICS REPORT

Assistive devices--such as wheelchairs, scooters, canes, crutches, and walkers--are effective ways to alleviate the impact of mobility limitations for many people, allowing improved ambulation and independence. Because the U.S. population is aging, the use of assistive devices by people with mobility impairments is of increasing importance. Assistive technology may be responsible for the observed reduction in the level of activity limitation at older ages. For mobility devices to be used effectively, the environments in which they are used must be accessible. Yet, there is little data on the extent of accessibility barriers faced by people who use these devices. This report focuses on the population using devices, providing a detailed profile of their demographic characteristics; health and disability status, including diagnoses and impairments, physical functioning, and activities of daily living; and health insurance status. More significantly, the report addresses the accessibility of mobility device users' homes and larger environments (including public transit accessibility), demonstrating that improvements in physical accessibility remain a priority for millions of mobility device users who still experience accessibility barriers.