Disability facts and figures
1 in 4 in the UK are living with a disability – that’s 16.1 million people
Adults (of working age) are more likely to have a disability (23%), compared to 11% of children – however that’s still an average of 2 or 3 people in every class.
It is worth noting that disability statistics tend to include the whole umbrella of disability and so it is important to take into account that the extent of limitation as a result from disability is variable and the context and personal experience is important. We share these statistics to highlight some of the challenges that disabled people face but we don’t want people reading the numbers to be disheartened but instead to use this information to support your plans and goals.
Daily life:
- Monthly living costs are £975 higher on average for disabled people
- 72% of disabled people have experienced negative attitudes or behaviour
School:
- 53% of disabled students feel supported academically
- 49% of disabled students feel supported in general and pastoral support
University:
- Disabled people are 3 times more likely not to hold any qualifications compared to non-disabled people
- Disabled people are almost half as likely (21.8% compared to 38%) to hold a degree-level qualification
- In 2021 14% of university applicants had declared a disability. This has been rising over the last few years with the most common declarations being learning difficulties, followed by mental health
- In 2023 UCAS applicants declaring a disability had the same acceptance rate as those not declaring a disability: 80%
Employment:
- The employment rate of disabled people is 53% compared to 82% of non-disabled people.
- 74% of disabled people with a university degree have a job, compared to 49% of disabled people whose highest qualifications are at GCSE level
To explore and research this information more check out Scope, ONS, UCAS.
About Us
The general aim and objective of Head Up! is to promote the interests of young people with disabilities, physical and/or mental health conditions, specific learning difficulties and neurodivergence; offering them practical advice and support concerning their education and welfare.