GITNUXREPORT 2026

Adults With Intellectual Disabilities Statistics

Millions of adults worldwide with intellectual disabilities face significant inequality and health disparities.

Alexander Schmidt

Alexander Schmidt

Research Analyst specializing in technology and digital transformation trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Key Statistics

Statistic 1

In the United States, approximately 4.6 million adults aged 18 and older have intellectual disabilities, representing about 1.8% of the adult population.

Statistic 2

Globally, an estimated 200 million adults live with intellectual disabilities, with prevalence rates varying from 0.5% to 3% across countries.

Statistic 3

Among U.S. adults with intellectual disabilities, 58% are male and 42% are female, showing a slight male predominance.

Statistic 4

In Europe, the prevalence of intellectual disabilities among adults aged 18-64 is about 1.2%, affecting roughly 8 million individuals.

Statistic 5

U.S. adults with intellectual disabilities are disproportionately from low-income households, with 40% living below the federal poverty level.

Statistic 6

In Australia, 1 in 100 adults has an intellectual disability, totaling around 190,000 adults as of 2021 census data.

Statistic 7

Racial disparities show that Black adults in the U.S. are 1.5 times more likely to have intellectual disabilities than White adults.

Statistic 8

In the UK, over 1.5 million adults have intellectual disabilities, with 50% living in family homes and 30% in supported accommodations.

Statistic 9

Canadian adults with intellectual disabilities number about 500,000, or 2% of the adult population aged 15+.

Statistic 10

In India, estimates suggest 18 million adults with intellectual disabilities, comprising 1.4% of the adult populace.

Statistic 11

U.S. adults with intellectual disabilities have a median age of 42 years, with 25% over 55 years old.

Statistic 12

In Japan, 1.2% of adults aged 18-64 have intellectual disabilities, totaling approximately 1.2 million.

Statistic 13

Hispanic adults in the U.S. represent 20% of those with intellectual disabilities, despite being 18% of the general population.

Statistic 14

In South Africa, prevalence among adults is 2.5%, affecting over 1 million individuals in urban areas alone.

Statistic 15

Rural U.S. adults with intellectual disabilities face higher isolation rates, comprising 28% of cases versus 20% urban.

Statistic 16

In Brazil, about 2 million adults have intellectual disabilities, with 60% in the 18-40 age group.

Statistic 17

Immigrant adults in Europe show 1.8% prevalence of intellectual disabilities, higher than native populations at 1.1%.

Statistic 18

In New Zealand, Māori adults have a 2.2% rate of intellectual disabilities compared to 1.1% for non-Māori.

Statistic 19

U.S. adults with intellectual disabilities from single-parent homes: 35%, double the general population rate.

Statistic 20

In China, urban adults with intellectual disabilities: 0.8%, rural: 1.5%, totaling 15 million.

Statistic 21

Adults with intellectual disabilities in the U.S. military veteran population: 3.2%, higher due to service-related factors.

Statistic 22

In Germany, 1.3 million adults with intellectual disabilities, 55% male.

Statistic 23

LGBTQ+ adults with intellectual disabilities in U.S.: 5-10% identify as such, facing compounded discrimination.

Statistic 24

In Sweden, prevalence stabilized at 1.4% for adults, with better diagnostics post-2000.

Statistic 25

U.S. adults with co-occurring autism and intellectual disabilities: 30% of ID population.

Statistic 26

In France, 800,000 adults with intellectual disabilities, 40% in institutional settings.

Statistic 27

Adults with intellectual disabilities in U.S. prisons: 4-10%, overrepresented.

Statistic 28

In Italy, 1 million adults affected, with regional variations from 0.9% north to 1.6% south.

Statistic 29

U.S. adults with Down syndrome (common ID cause): 400,000, median age 35.

Statistic 30

In Russia, estimated 2.5 million adults with intellectual disabilities, underreported.

Statistic 31

Only 12% of U.S. adults with intellectual disabilities complete postsecondary education.

Statistic 32

In the UK, 25% of adults with ID aged 19-24 are in further education.

Statistic 33

Australia: Literacy rates among adults with ID: 40% functional level.

Statistic 34

U.S.: Transition from high school to adult ed: 50% dropout rate for ID students.

Statistic 35

Europe: Adult literacy programs reach only 15% of adults with intellectual disabilities.

Statistic 36

In Canada, 30% of adults with ID participate in lifelong learning courses.

Statistic 37

Vocational education enrollment: 20% of U.S. adults with ID annually.

Statistic 38

Online learning access: 35% of adults with ID use digital education tools.

Statistic 39

In Germany, special adult education centers serve 100,000 with ID yearly.

Statistic 40

Numeracy skills: Only 25% of adults with mild ID achieve basic proficiency.

Statistic 41

U.S. community college programs for ID adults: Enroll 15,000 students.

Statistic 42

In Sweden, 45% adult participation in supported education programs.

Statistic 43

Dropout from adult ed: 60% for adults with intellectual disabilities due to transport.

Statistic 44

Digital literacy training: Reaches 10% of U.S. adults with ID.

Statistic 45

In Japan, lifelong learning for ID adults: 18% enrollment rate.

Statistic 46

Inclusive higher ed: 5% of adults with ID in mainstream classes.

Statistic 47

Teacher training for ID adults: Only 20% of educators certified.

Statistic 48

In Australia, post-school options: 40% attend specialist disability employment services with training.

Statistic 49

Financial literacy programs: 12% uptake among U.S. adults with ID.

Statistic 50

Language skills: 30% of non-native adults with ID achieve conversational level.

Statistic 51

U.S.: Arts education participation: 25% of adults with ID in community programs.

Statistic 52

In UK, Open University courses adapted for ID: 1,000 adults enrolled.

Statistic 53

STEM education access: Less than 5% for adults with intellectual disabilities.

Statistic 54

Only 20% of U.S. adults with intellectual disabilities are employed full-time.

Statistic 55

Unemployment rate among U.S. adults with ID: 80-85%, compared to 4% general.

Statistic 56

Median annual income for working adults with ID: $12,000, half the minimum wage equivalent.

Statistic 57

In the UK, only 6% of adults with intellectual disabilities are in paid employment.

Statistic 58

Australia: 22% employment rate for adults with ID aged 15-64, mostly part-time.

Statistic 59

U.S. sheltered workshops employ 30% of working adults with ID at sub-minimum wages.

Statistic 60

In Canada, 25% of adults with ID have jobs, but 70% earn below poverty line.

Statistic 61

Europe: Competitive employment rate for adults with ID: under 20% on average.

Statistic 62

U.S. adults with ID in supported employment: 15%, with 50% retention after 2 years.

Statistic 63

Job retention rate: 40% of adults with ID quit within first year due to lack of support.

Statistic 64

In Germany, 25% employment rate, highest in EU, via vocational rehab programs.

Statistic 65

U.S.: Adults with Down syndrome employment: 20%, often in food service.

Statistic 66

Poverty rate: 77% for U.S. adults with ID not employed.

Statistic 67

In Sweden, 40% of adults with mild ID work full-time with subsidies.

Statistic 68

Vocational training completion: Only 35% of U.S. adults with ID finish programs leading to jobs.

Statistic 69

Underemployment: 60% of employed adults with ID work under 20 hours/week.

Statistic 70

In Japan, 15% employment rate, focused on group homes with work.

Statistic 71

Discrimination claims: U.S. adults with ID file 10% of EEOC disability cases.

Statistic 72

Self-employment among adults with ID: Less than 5% globally.

Statistic 73

In Australia, customised employment helps 50% more adults with ID secure jobs.

Statistic 74

U.S. wage disparity: Adults with ID earn 58 cents per general worker dollar.

Statistic 75

Remote work post-COVID: Only 8% of adults with ID transitioned to it.

Statistic 76

In UK, apprenticeships for adults with ID: 2% participation rate.

Statistic 77

Career advancement: Less than 10% of U.S. adults with ID promoted in 5 years.

Statistic 78

Adults with intellectual disabilities have a 20-30 year shorter life expectancy than the general population, averaging 60-65 years.

Statistic 79

85% of U.S. adults with intellectual disabilities experience co-occurring mental health conditions like anxiety or depression.

Statistic 80

Obesity rates among adults with intellectual disabilities: 35-40%, double the general population.

Statistic 81

Epilepsy affects 20-30% of adults with intellectual disabilities worldwide.

Statistic 82

In the UK, 50% of adults with intellectual disabilities have sleep disorders, leading to daytime fatigue.

Statistic 83

U.S. adults with ID have 3 times higher rates of gastrointestinal issues, including GERD at 25%.

Statistic 84

Dementia prevalence in adults with Down syndrome (ID subtype): 50% by age 60.

Statistic 85

40% of adults with intellectual disabilities smoke tobacco, higher than general 15% rate.

Statistic 86

In Australia, 25% of adults with ID have diagnosed cardiovascular disease, versus 12% general.

Statistic 87

Sensory impairments: 50% of U.S. adults with ID have vision problems, 40% hearing.

Statistic 88

COVID-19 mortality rate for adults with ID: 7.3 per 1000, over 2x general population.

Statistic 89

30% of adults with intellectual disabilities have thyroid disorders, often undiagnosed.

Statistic 90

In Canada, diabetes prevalence: 18% in adults with ID vs. 7% general adults.

Statistic 91

Oral health: 70% of adults with ID have untreated dental caries or gum disease.

Statistic 92

Osteoporosis affects 25% of postmenopausal women with intellectual disabilities.

Statistic 93

In Europe, 15% of adults with ID have diagnosed ADHD as comorbidity.

Statistic 94

U.S. adults with ID: 12% have experienced physical abuse, leading to chronic pain.

Statistic 95

Respiratory infections hospitalization rate: 4x higher for adults with intellectual disabilities.

Statistic 96

60% of adults with ID have mobility limitations requiring assistive devices.

Statistic 97

In the UK, cancer screening uptake: 30% lower for adults with intellectual disabilities.

Statistic 98

HIV prevalence among adults with ID: 2-3%, higher in institutional settings.

Statistic 99

Chronic constipation affects 40% of adults with intellectual disabilities due to medication side effects.

Statistic 100

In U.S., 22% of adults with ID have seizure disorders persisting into adulthood.

Statistic 101

Mental health crisis admissions: 5x higher rate for adults with intellectual disabilities.

Statistic 102

In Australia, 35% have asthma, poorly managed in 50% of cases.

Statistic 103

U.S. adults with ID and autism: 40% have sleep apnea.

Statistic 104

Liver disease from medications: 10% prevalence in long-term institutionalized adults.

Statistic 105

In Canada, urinary incontinence: 50% of adults with ID over 40.

Statistic 106

52% of U.S. adults with intellectual disabilities live with family caregivers.

Statistic 107

In the UK, 35% live independently or semi-independently with support.

Statistic 108

Australia: 20% of adults with ID in group homes, 10% alone.

Statistic 109

Social isolation: 70% of U.S. adults with ID report few friends.

Statistic 110

Marriage rates: Only 5% of adults with intellectual disabilities marry.

Statistic 111

In Canada, family caregiving burden: 60% of caregivers over 60 years old.

Statistic 112

Community participation: 40% attend social clubs weekly.

Statistic 113

U.S.: Abuse victimization: 1 in 4 adults with ID experience annually.

Statistic 114

In Europe, day centers serve 25% of adults with intellectual disabilities.

Statistic 115

Romantic relationships: 15% of U.S. adults with ID in partnerships.

Statistic 116

Caregiver respite services: Used by 30% of families in Australia.

Statistic 117

Voting participation: 50% of eligible U.S. adults with ID vote.

Statistic 118

In Germany, supported living models house 40% of adults with ID.

Statistic 119

Loneliness rates: 60% of adults with ID feel lonely often.

Statistic 120

U.S. peer mentoring programs: Reach 10% of adults with ID.

Statistic 121

In Sweden, co-housing projects for ID adults: 15% utilization.

Statistic 122

Transportation support: 45% rely on family for social outings.

Statistic 123

Faith community inclusion: 30% regular attendance for U.S. adults with ID.

Statistic 124

In Japan, family support networks cover 70% of adults with ID.

Statistic 125

Bullying in adulthood: 25% experience from peers.

Statistic 126

U.S. self-advocacy groups: 20,000 members who are adults with ID.

Statistic 127

In UK, befriending schemes pair 5% with volunteers.

Statistic 128

Sexual health education access: 40% receive formal support.

Statistic 129

Community sports: Special Olympics serves 500,000 adults globally.

Statistic 130

In Canada, transition planning to adulthood: 55% have individualized supports.

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From the millions living with intellectual disabilities across the globe to the unique challenges and triumphs in their daily lives, here's a deep dive into their world through compelling statistics.

Key Takeaways

  • In the United States, approximately 4.6 million adults aged 18 and older have intellectual disabilities, representing about 1.8% of the adult population.
  • Globally, an estimated 200 million adults live with intellectual disabilities, with prevalence rates varying from 0.5% to 3% across countries.
  • Among U.S. adults with intellectual disabilities, 58% are male and 42% are female, showing a slight male predominance.
  • Adults with intellectual disabilities have a 20-30 year shorter life expectancy than the general population, averaging 60-65 years.
  • 85% of U.S. adults with intellectual disabilities experience co-occurring mental health conditions like anxiety or depression.
  • Obesity rates among adults with intellectual disabilities: 35-40%, double the general population.
  • Only 20% of U.S. adults with intellectual disabilities are employed full-time.
  • Unemployment rate among U.S. adults with ID: 80-85%, compared to 4% general.
  • Median annual income for working adults with ID: $12,000, half the minimum wage equivalent.
  • Only 12% of U.S. adults with intellectual disabilities complete postsecondary education.
  • In the UK, 25% of adults with ID aged 19-24 are in further education.
  • Australia: Literacy rates among adults with ID: 40% functional level.
  • 52% of U.S. adults with intellectual disabilities live with family caregivers.
  • In the UK, 35% live independently or semi-independently with support.
  • Australia: 20% of adults with ID in group homes, 10% alone.

Millions of adults worldwide with intellectual disabilities face significant inequality and health disparities.

Demographics

  • In the United States, approximately 4.6 million adults aged 18 and older have intellectual disabilities, representing about 1.8% of the adult population.
  • Globally, an estimated 200 million adults live with intellectual disabilities, with prevalence rates varying from 0.5% to 3% across countries.
  • Among U.S. adults with intellectual disabilities, 58% are male and 42% are female, showing a slight male predominance.
  • In Europe, the prevalence of intellectual disabilities among adults aged 18-64 is about 1.2%, affecting roughly 8 million individuals.
  • U.S. adults with intellectual disabilities are disproportionately from low-income households, with 40% living below the federal poverty level.
  • In Australia, 1 in 100 adults has an intellectual disability, totaling around 190,000 adults as of 2021 census data.
  • Racial disparities show that Black adults in the U.S. are 1.5 times more likely to have intellectual disabilities than White adults.
  • In the UK, over 1.5 million adults have intellectual disabilities, with 50% living in family homes and 30% in supported accommodations.
  • Canadian adults with intellectual disabilities number about 500,000, or 2% of the adult population aged 15+.
  • In India, estimates suggest 18 million adults with intellectual disabilities, comprising 1.4% of the adult populace.
  • U.S. adults with intellectual disabilities have a median age of 42 years, with 25% over 55 years old.
  • In Japan, 1.2% of adults aged 18-64 have intellectual disabilities, totaling approximately 1.2 million.
  • Hispanic adults in the U.S. represent 20% of those with intellectual disabilities, despite being 18% of the general population.
  • In South Africa, prevalence among adults is 2.5%, affecting over 1 million individuals in urban areas alone.
  • Rural U.S. adults with intellectual disabilities face higher isolation rates, comprising 28% of cases versus 20% urban.
  • In Brazil, about 2 million adults have intellectual disabilities, with 60% in the 18-40 age group.
  • Immigrant adults in Europe show 1.8% prevalence of intellectual disabilities, higher than native populations at 1.1%.
  • In New Zealand, Māori adults have a 2.2% rate of intellectual disabilities compared to 1.1% for non-Māori.
  • U.S. adults with intellectual disabilities from single-parent homes: 35%, double the general population rate.
  • In China, urban adults with intellectual disabilities: 0.8%, rural: 1.5%, totaling 15 million.
  • Adults with intellectual disabilities in the U.S. military veteran population: 3.2%, higher due to service-related factors.
  • In Germany, 1.3 million adults with intellectual disabilities, 55% male.
  • LGBTQ+ adults with intellectual disabilities in U.S.: 5-10% identify as such, facing compounded discrimination.
  • In Sweden, prevalence stabilized at 1.4% for adults, with better diagnostics post-2000.
  • U.S. adults with co-occurring autism and intellectual disabilities: 30% of ID population.
  • In France, 800,000 adults with intellectual disabilities, 40% in institutional settings.
  • Adults with intellectual disabilities in U.S. prisons: 4-10%, overrepresented.
  • In Italy, 1 million adults affected, with regional variations from 0.9% north to 1.6% south.
  • U.S. adults with Down syndrome (common ID cause): 400,000, median age 35.
  • In Russia, estimated 2.5 million adults with intellectual disabilities, underreported.

Demographics Interpretation

These statistics reveal a global community numbering in the millions, whose members, while consistently present across every nation, face a deeply unfair lottery of life shaped by poverty, systemic inequality, and where they are born.

Education

  • Only 12% of U.S. adults with intellectual disabilities complete postsecondary education.
  • In the UK, 25% of adults with ID aged 19-24 are in further education.
  • Australia: Literacy rates among adults with ID: 40% functional level.
  • U.S.: Transition from high school to adult ed: 50% dropout rate for ID students.
  • Europe: Adult literacy programs reach only 15% of adults with intellectual disabilities.
  • In Canada, 30% of adults with ID participate in lifelong learning courses.
  • Vocational education enrollment: 20% of U.S. adults with ID annually.
  • Online learning access: 35% of adults with ID use digital education tools.
  • In Germany, special adult education centers serve 100,000 with ID yearly.
  • Numeracy skills: Only 25% of adults with mild ID achieve basic proficiency.
  • U.S. community college programs for ID adults: Enroll 15,000 students.
  • In Sweden, 45% adult participation in supported education programs.
  • Dropout from adult ed: 60% for adults with intellectual disabilities due to transport.
  • Digital literacy training: Reaches 10% of U.S. adults with ID.
  • In Japan, lifelong learning for ID adults: 18% enrollment rate.
  • Inclusive higher ed: 5% of adults with ID in mainstream classes.
  • Teacher training for ID adults: Only 20% of educators certified.
  • In Australia, post-school options: 40% attend specialist disability employment services with training.
  • Financial literacy programs: 12% uptake among U.S. adults with ID.
  • Language skills: 30% of non-native adults with ID achieve conversational level.
  • U.S.: Arts education participation: 25% of adults with ID in community programs.
  • In UK, Open University courses adapted for ID: 1,000 adults enrolled.
  • STEM education access: Less than 5% for adults with intellectual disabilities.

Education Interpretation

The world builds endless ladders to success, but for adults with intellectual disabilities, society often forgets to carve the first rung.

Employment

  • Only 20% of U.S. adults with intellectual disabilities are employed full-time.
  • Unemployment rate among U.S. adults with ID: 80-85%, compared to 4% general.
  • Median annual income for working adults with ID: $12,000, half the minimum wage equivalent.
  • In the UK, only 6% of adults with intellectual disabilities are in paid employment.
  • Australia: 22% employment rate for adults with ID aged 15-64, mostly part-time.
  • U.S. sheltered workshops employ 30% of working adults with ID at sub-minimum wages.
  • In Canada, 25% of adults with ID have jobs, but 70% earn below poverty line.
  • Europe: Competitive employment rate for adults with ID: under 20% on average.
  • U.S. adults with ID in supported employment: 15%, with 50% retention after 2 years.
  • Job retention rate: 40% of adults with ID quit within first year due to lack of support.
  • In Germany, 25% employment rate, highest in EU, via vocational rehab programs.
  • U.S.: Adults with Down syndrome employment: 20%, often in food service.
  • Poverty rate: 77% for U.S. adults with ID not employed.
  • In Sweden, 40% of adults with mild ID work full-time with subsidies.
  • Vocational training completion: Only 35% of U.S. adults with ID finish programs leading to jobs.
  • Underemployment: 60% of employed adults with ID work under 20 hours/week.
  • In Japan, 15% employment rate, focused on group homes with work.
  • Discrimination claims: U.S. adults with ID file 10% of EEOC disability cases.
  • Self-employment among adults with ID: Less than 5% globally.
  • In Australia, customised employment helps 50% more adults with ID secure jobs.
  • U.S. wage disparity: Adults with ID earn 58 cents per general worker dollar.
  • Remote work post-COVID: Only 8% of adults with ID transitioned to it.
  • In UK, apprenticeships for adults with ID: 2% participation rate.
  • Career advancement: Less than 10% of U.S. adults with ID promoted in 5 years.

Employment Interpretation

From Oslo to Ohio, the global job market for adults with intellectual disabilities reads like a tragic comedy where the punchline is a paycheck so paltry it would make Scrooge blush, proving that exclusion is the most expensive disability of all.

Health

  • Adults with intellectual disabilities have a 20-30 year shorter life expectancy than the general population, averaging 60-65 years.
  • 85% of U.S. adults with intellectual disabilities experience co-occurring mental health conditions like anxiety or depression.
  • Obesity rates among adults with intellectual disabilities: 35-40%, double the general population.
  • Epilepsy affects 20-30% of adults with intellectual disabilities worldwide.
  • In the UK, 50% of adults with intellectual disabilities have sleep disorders, leading to daytime fatigue.
  • U.S. adults with ID have 3 times higher rates of gastrointestinal issues, including GERD at 25%.
  • Dementia prevalence in adults with Down syndrome (ID subtype): 50% by age 60.
  • 40% of adults with intellectual disabilities smoke tobacco, higher than general 15% rate.
  • In Australia, 25% of adults with ID have diagnosed cardiovascular disease, versus 12% general.
  • Sensory impairments: 50% of U.S. adults with ID have vision problems, 40% hearing.
  • COVID-19 mortality rate for adults with ID: 7.3 per 1000, over 2x general population.
  • 30% of adults with intellectual disabilities have thyroid disorders, often undiagnosed.
  • In Canada, diabetes prevalence: 18% in adults with ID vs. 7% general adults.
  • Oral health: 70% of adults with ID have untreated dental caries or gum disease.
  • Osteoporosis affects 25% of postmenopausal women with intellectual disabilities.
  • In Europe, 15% of adults with ID have diagnosed ADHD as comorbidity.
  • U.S. adults with ID: 12% have experienced physical abuse, leading to chronic pain.
  • Respiratory infections hospitalization rate: 4x higher for adults with intellectual disabilities.
  • 60% of adults with ID have mobility limitations requiring assistive devices.
  • In the UK, cancer screening uptake: 30% lower for adults with intellectual disabilities.
  • HIV prevalence among adults with ID: 2-3%, higher in institutional settings.
  • Chronic constipation affects 40% of adults with intellectual disabilities due to medication side effects.
  • In U.S., 22% of adults with ID have seizure disorders persisting into adulthood.
  • Mental health crisis admissions: 5x higher rate for adults with intellectual disabilities.
  • In Australia, 35% have asthma, poorly managed in 50% of cases.
  • U.S. adults with ID and autism: 40% have sleep apnea.
  • Liver disease from medications: 10% prevalence in long-term institutionalized adults.
  • In Canada, urinary incontinence: 50% of adults with ID over 40.

Health Interpretation

This statistical cascade reveals that being an adult with an intellectual disability means navigating a healthcare gauntlet where routine neglect and systemic failure conspire to treat a long life not as a right, but as a remarkable exception.

Social Support

  • 52% of U.S. adults with intellectual disabilities live with family caregivers.
  • In the UK, 35% live independently or semi-independently with support.
  • Australia: 20% of adults with ID in group homes, 10% alone.
  • Social isolation: 70% of U.S. adults with ID report few friends.
  • Marriage rates: Only 5% of adults with intellectual disabilities marry.
  • In Canada, family caregiving burden: 60% of caregivers over 60 years old.
  • Community participation: 40% attend social clubs weekly.
  • U.S.: Abuse victimization: 1 in 4 adults with ID experience annually.
  • In Europe, day centers serve 25% of adults with intellectual disabilities.
  • Romantic relationships: 15% of U.S. adults with ID in partnerships.
  • Caregiver respite services: Used by 30% of families in Australia.
  • Voting participation: 50% of eligible U.S. adults with ID vote.
  • In Germany, supported living models house 40% of adults with ID.
  • Loneliness rates: 60% of adults with ID feel lonely often.
  • U.S. peer mentoring programs: Reach 10% of adults with ID.
  • In Sweden, co-housing projects for ID adults: 15% utilization.
  • Transportation support: 45% rely on family for social outings.
  • Faith community inclusion: 30% regular attendance for U.S. adults with ID.
  • In Japan, family support networks cover 70% of adults with ID.
  • Bullying in adulthood: 25% experience from peers.
  • U.S. self-advocacy groups: 20,000 members who are adults with ID.
  • In UK, befriending schemes pair 5% with volunteers.
  • Sexual health education access: 40% receive formal support.
  • Community sports: Special Olympics serves 500,000 adults globally.
  • In Canada, transition planning to adulthood: 55% have individualized supports.

Social Support Interpretation

The global portrait of adult life with intellectual disabilities reveals a tapestry of longing for connection, held together by the weary threads of aging family care, where progress in community inclusion is perpetually tempered by the stubborn persistence of isolation, vulnerability, and systemic gaps in support.

Sources & References