Barriers to Healthcare Access for Americans with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Abstract

The goal of this project is to investigate the additional barriers faced by Americans with intellectual or developmental disabilities in accessing healthcare. Specifically, I examined which states offer more comprehensive or higher-quality services for individuals with disabilities and the outcomes these states achieve for their disabled populations. The study involved reviewing previous research from independent organizations that assessed various factors, including livability, economic conditions (such as average income and unemployment rates), education levels (percentage of residents with 4-year college degrees), and the prevalence of independent living, on a state-by-state basis. This data was analyzed to identify variances among states and the resources they provide. Historical data was also used to uncover disparities in healthcare access. The hypothesis posits that states investing more federal and state funds in supporting residents with disabilities will rank higher in these categories and others. Initial analysis supports this hypothesis