According to the U.S. Census Bureau, over 54 million Americans or about one-fifth of the U.S. population is living with a disability. The U.S. Census also reports that nearly four million of these individuals require the assistance of another person for daily life activities such as getting dressed, eating, and bathing. In addition:
- More than eight million Americans have limited vision; 130,000 are totally blind (American Foundation for the Blind).
- Twenty-eight million Americans have hearing loss and 500,000 are completely deaf (National Association of the Deaf).
- There are 1.5 million wheelchair users and an additional four million people who require mobility aids such as canes and walkers (U.S. Census).
- More than seven million people have mental retardation (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services).
- Many individuals have more than one disability.
The United States (U.S.) Department of Justice defines a disability as any physiological disorder, or condition, cosmetic disfigurement, or anatomical loss affecting one or more of the following body systems: neurological, musculoskeletal, special sense organs, respiratory (including speech organs), cardiovascular, reproductive, digestive, genito-urinary, hemic and lymphatic, skin, and endocrine; or any mental or psychological disorder, such as mental retardation, organic brain syndrome, emotional or mental illness, and specific learning disabilities.
Davis Innovations has a unique understanding of disability and how disability impacts an individuals overall health and quality of life. We help state and federal agencies, foundations, associations, and providers to research, design, and manage effective initiatives and evaluate the impact of policy and program change. We assist clients in developing solutions that enhance the quality of life for individuals with disabilities while achieving public policy goals.
Sample Projects
- Authored Working Like Dogs: The Service Dog Guidebook, an A-Z resource
book about service dogs designed for individuals who are considering a
service dog, have a service dog, are raising or is responsible for the
care of a service dog, and anyone who wants to connect with the power of
the human-animal service dog partnership.
- Designed tobacco prevention program utilizing Life Skills curriculum for students who were blind, deaf and/or hard of hearing.
- Designed violence against individuals with disabilities victim advocates training program.
- Conducted statewide emergency preparedness and response community needs assessment for state agency regarding emergency response to seniors and individuals with disabilities.
- Designed training curriculum for first responders and community health councils regarding emergency preparedness and response to seniors and individuals with disabilities.
- Designed and implemented Equal Justice: Investigating and Prosecuting Violence Against Individuals with Disabilities targeting law enforcement officers, court personnel, prosecutors and other criminal justice professionals.
- Conducted a physical and programmatic assessment of ten domestic violence and sexual assault providers regarding service delivery to individuals with disabilities.
- Developed and implemented self-awareness and defense course for individuals with disabilities.
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