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Data and Research

Ensuring older adults and people with disabilities have the opportunities to live independently and fully participate in their communities requires robust, accurate information about both populations. The following resources are available through data collection and research projects funded by ACL, and data compilation performed by ACL.

Information about older adults

Information about people with disabilities

  • 30 Years of Community Living for Individuals with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities (1987-2017). On July 12, 2021, three ACL grantees released 30 Years of Community Living for Individuals with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities. Featuring infographics, photos, and accessible language, as well as personal perspectives on community living and inclusion shared by people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (I/DD) who served as advisors to the project, the free digital book explores the evolution of integration and inclusion of people I/DD in American society. The book was written collaboratively by the directors of three longitudinal studies funded by ACL’s Projects of National Significance program. A summary of data collected between 1987 and 2017, the book illustrates the progress made since the Americans with Disabilities Act was passed 31 years ago and the work yet to be done to achieve its promise. It starkly illustrates that although opportunities for community living have significantly expanded, far too many people with I/DD are still unable to access the supports they need to live – and fully participate -- in their community.

  • JAMA Network Open article "National Prevalence of Disability and Disability Types Among Adults in the US" on disability & disability types among adults offers an update on national estimates, highlights differences between demographic groups. (October 2021)

  • NIDILRR Publications and Resources. This page links to disability-focused data and research available as a result of projects funded by ACL's National Institute on Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR).

Visit our Research & Development page in the Programs section to learn about NIDILRR's research projects. NIDILRR's mission is to generate new knowledge and promote its effective use to improve the abilities of people with disabilities to perform activities of their choice in the communities; and to expand society's capacity to provide full opportunities and accommodations for citizens with disabilities. 

Visit our Data Collection Projects page, also found in Programs to learn more about those initiatives.


Last modified on 10/31/2023


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