Facts and statistics
Below are some useful statistics on disabled people. They can help you to understand a large proportion of our society, including demographics and impairment types.
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Found 38 facts and statistics.
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Disabled people in England
There are 13.3 million disabled people in England, accounting for nearly one in four (24 per cent) of the total population. This is an increase from 12.5 million in 2020-21, and from 9.9 million since 2013-14.
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Region
Disability is most prevalent in the North of England. 29 per cent of people in the North East, and 28 per cent of people in the North West, and 26 per cent of people in Yorkshire and the Humber are disabled. London has a lower prevalence at 17 per cent.
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Gender
There are more disabled women than men. 26 per cent of women in the UK are disabled, compared to 22 per cent of men.
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Age
The prevalence of disability rises with age. In the UK, 11 per cent of children are disabled compared with 23 per cent of working age adults and 45 per cent of people over state pension age.
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Older disabled people
Three in five (60 per cent) disabled people in the UK are aged over 50.
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Disabled people's activity levels
Disabled adults are almost twice as likely as non-disabled people to be physically inactive (41 per cent vs 20.9 per cent).
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Disabled people's participation
Four in five (77 per cent) disabled people would like to be more active.
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Disabled people and organised activity
Just one in five (20 per cent) disabled people had taken part in an organised activity session in the last year, compared to 25 per cent of non-disabled people.
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Role of health and sports professionals
Healthcare professionals are the preferred source of advice on sport and physical activity for disabled people. 64 per cent would listen to their GP, doctor, or nurse, and 53 per cent would listen to a physiotherapist,occupational therapist or other medical professionals.
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Opportunity to be active
Only four in 10 (41%) disabled people feel they have the opportunity to be as active as they want to be, compared to 70% of non-disabled people.
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Motivations to be active
Three in five (64 per cent) disabled people are motivated to be active to improve or maintain their physical health. Mental health and wellbeing, feeling good about themselves, and fun and enjoyment are important when thinking about being active.
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Barriers to being active
80 per cent of disabled people say their impairment or health condition stops them from being as active as they would like.