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National Organization on Disability

Disability 101

Disability 101

A disability is any condition—physical, mental, or sensory—that makes everyday tasks more difficult. To ensure equal opportunities, it’s essential to create inclusive workplaces and environments that accommodate and remove barriers, allowing everyone to fully participate in the workforce.

A person with short curly gray hair and earrings works at a wooden table in what appears to be a leather crafting workshop. They are focused on crafting or repairing a black leather item, with various tools and colorful fabric rolls visible in the background. The workspace includes shelving with materials, a desk lamp, and a small potted plant, creating an organized artisan's studio environment.

Disabilities affect over 71 million Americans, yet fear, stigma, and discrimination often cause us to shy away from discussing them openly.

What is a Disability?

There are a wide variety of disabilities.

Disabilities encompass a broad spectrum, including conditions such as anxiety, cancer, diabetes, autism, paraplegia, and cerebral palsy. It’s important to recognize that neurodiversity, mental health conditions, and various diseases also fall under the umbrella of disability.

Two men are smiling and fist-bumping; one has a prosthetic leg, and the other is in a wheelchair. They sit outdoors, conveying friendship and positivity.
Smiling man with glasses and beard wearing beige button-up shirt with arms crossed

Disabilities are often non-apparent.

Disabilities aren’t always visible or physical. Many conditions, such as asthma, ADHD, Crohn’s disease, or traumatic brain injury, may not be immediately apparent but still impact daily life. People with these invisible disabilities can thrive in various roles without their disability being obvious to others.

Disabilities are common.

Millions of people across all demographics have a disability, making them a common part of society. Whether apparent or non-apparent, disabilities impact people in various ways, from the workplace to daily activities, and are a reality for many families, friends, and colleagues.

Disabilities may be:

  • Neurological
  • Sensory
  • Physical
  • Mental Health
  • Cognitive
Professional woman with short curly hair and clear-framed glasses smiling and giving thumbs up gesture while working on laptop against light blue background"Detailed version: "Happy professional woman with short dark curly hair wearing clear-framed glasses and mustard yellow button-up shirt, smiling broadly while giving enthusiastic thumbs up with her right hand as she works on a laptop computer against a soft blue background
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Over 1 in 4 Americans have a disability. Due to stigma and misconceptions, many disabilities go unreported—the real number is likely greater than 40%.

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An estimated 80% of disabilities are non-apparent.

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Of American adults have a mental health condition.

Why Invest in Disability?

Embracing disability inclusion isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s a smart business strategy. Inclusive workplaces drive greater innovation, creativity, productivity, and employee engagement.

By fostering a culture of inclusion, companies unlock access to a highly capable and often overlooked talent pool, while also strengthening brand reputation and building loyalty within the $1 billion U.S. disability market.

Disability is Not a Bad Word

Use this guide to gain essential insights on respectfully engaging with individuals with disabilities.

View the Resource

Disability History

This timeline highlights key events and milestones in the history of disability, showcasing how laws, advocacy, and societal attitudes have evolved over time. It provides an overview of progress made and the ongoing challenges in the pursuit of equality and accessibility.

A black-and-white photo of President Franklin D. Roosevelt sitting in a wheelchair on a porch, holding a small black dog and smiling at a young girl standing beside him. A person is faintly visible in the background through the doorway.
1932

Franklin D. Roosevelt, elected the 32nd U.S. President, served four terms and led the nation through the Great Depression and WWII. Having developed paralysis years earlier, he used a wheelchair and remains one of America’s most influential presidents.

A newspaper clipping from The New York Times with the headline “Woman in Wheel Chair Sues to Become Teacher,” featuring a photo of Judy Heumann at a table with her lawyer and an article detailing her lawsuit against the Board of Education for discrimination.
1970

After being denied a teaching license because her wheelchair was deemed a fire hazard, Judy Heumann sued NYC’s Board of Education. The case launched her lifelong advocacy, and today she is regarded as the “Mother of the Disability Rights Movement”.

A black-and-white image of disability rights activists in wheelchairs gathered in front of San Francisco City Hall during the 504 Sit-in, holding protest signs including one that reads “We Shall Overcome” and another calling for equal opportunity.
1973

Enacted in 1973, the Rehabilitation Act marked a major milestone in disability rights. Section 503 specifically prohibits federal contractors and subcontractors from discriminating against individuals with disabilities.

President George H. W. Bush signs the Americans with Disabilities Act into law on the White House lawn, seated at a table between two disability rights advocates in wheelchairs, with supporters standing behind them and a fountain in the background.
1990

Signed into law on July 26, 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act marked a pivotal civil rights milestone. This historic piece of legislation prohibits employment discrimination and requires reasonable accommodations, ensuring equal opportunities for people with disabilities.

President George W. Bush sits at a desk in the Oval Office, signing a document surrounded by six smiling members of Congress, including both men and women, during a formal bill-signing ceremony.
2008

The ADA Amendments Act of 2008 broadened the ADA’s definition of disability, extending protections to more people. Passed in response to narrow Supreme Court rulings, it ensured coverage for conditions like cancer, diabetes, and epilepsy.

Former President George H. W. Bush sits in a wheelchair, smiling during a casual meeting in an office with former NOD President Carol Glazer and NOD Chairman Emeritus, Governor Tom Ridge, surrounded by personal photos, an American flag, and presidential memorabilia.
2012

Twenty-two years after signing the ADA into law, George H.W. Bush shared that he now used a wheelchair—a reminder that disability can affect anyone, and that today’s advocacy shapes the future for us and our loved ones.

A daytime photo of the Frances Perkins Building, headquarters of the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, D.C., with the American flag and Department of Labor sign prominently displayed in the foreground.
2013

The U.S. Department of Labor’s OFCCP revised Section 503 regulations, setting a 7% utilization goal for workers with disabilities and requiring employers to track self-identification throughout the employee lifecycle.

Tribute to Judy Heumann

Our 2023 tribute honors the late Judy Heumann, ‘the mother’ of the disability rights movement and a beloved friend of NOD.

Learn more about our history and legacy, championing disability inclusion in the workplace for over four decades.

Featured Resource

Join the Movement

Your commitment to inclusion deserves strong support. Discover how the NOD Leadership Council can help.

More About the Leadership Council