Charting Equality: Why Demographic Disability Data is Good for Everyone

Executive Summary

This brief covers the basics of demographic disability data collection in health programs – what it means, why it is needed, and how it can be used to improve access to equitable health care for all.  We discuss some common myths and stereotypes that likely influence why government and health entities tend to overlook a need to collect demographic disability data. We also look at current examples of providers, health systems, and states that are working to collect demographic disability data. And finally, we provide some recommendations for how relevant entities could begin to collect this information, which is critical for ensuring that people with disabilities receive equally effective health care.