Virginia Disability Survey of 1999

Executive Summary

The Virginia Disability Survey of 1999 provides estimates of the number of persons with disabilities within the Commonwealth, their characteristics and needs. It is the result of collaboration between the Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Services (DRS) and the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Center for Public Policy Survey and Evaluation Research Laboratory using methods similar to those of the1990 Virginia Disability Survey, also conducted by VCU.

• The survey identified 11.8% of working age Virginians (ages 16-64) as having a work/housework disability. This represents a sharp increase from the 7.5% reported in 1990, with estimates increasing from 314,153 people statewide in 1990 to 517,862 people in 1999. Possible reasons for this increase include the aging of the population and a greater willingness to report disabilities due to the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
• The most common limitation in functional capacity identified was motor skills closely followed by work tolerance. Forty-four percent identified themselves as limited in one or two functional capacities, corresponding to the DRS category of significantly disabled, and 32 % identified themselves as limited in three or more functional capacities, corresponding to the DRS category of most significantly disabled.
• The most frequently cited primary disabling conditions were muskuloskeletal, mental impairments and heart trouble. Arthritis was the most common individual condition identified.
• Almost half (46%) of working-age individuals with disabilities were working, compared with 81% of working-age individuals without disabilities, with 32% working 35 or more hours per week. Thirty percent of working-age individuals with disabilities were unable to work, compared with less than 1% of working-age individuals without disabilities, with the remaining twenty-four percent retired, keeping house, in school or unemployed.
• The age of onset of the disabling condition most frequently occurred between 33 and 48 years of age with only 5% of persons with work/housework disabilities reporting disabling conditions since birth. Generally the impact of the primary disabling condition increases with age or the effect of multiple health conditions become more severe.
• Of those with work/housework disability reporting the use of aids or special equipment, the most commonly cited were the use of crutches and canes (32%) and wheelchairs (28%). For those identified as needing additional aids or equipment, 18% cited the need for wheelchairs, 15% for hearing aids, 10% for crutches or canes, and 8% for personal assistants. For those stating the need of an aid to function better but unable to get them, almost half reported financial reasons.
• Thirty-six percent of those with work/housework disability reported receiving some public assistance. The most common form of public income assistance was Social Security Disability Insurance, received by more than half of those receiving financial assistance.
• Training in more advanced technical skills was identified as an employment-related need for over three-fourths of all working-age Virginians with disabilities, both those who were working and those who were not working. Job placement services were reported second most often among those who were looking to improve their employment situation.
• Improved transportation was another reported need for persons with a work/housework disability who were seeking additional or improved employment as well as for those working 35 or more hours a week.

For additional copies of the full survey please contact Myra Owens, Agency Management Analyst, at the Department of Rehabilitative Services (Voice: 804-662-7000; TTY: 804-662-9040; Voice-Toll-Free: 1-800-552-5019; TTY-Toll-Free: 1-800-464-9950) or Email at Myra.Owens@drs.virginia.gov.