Additional Disabilities

The nature and prevalence of additional disabilities in children on the National Deaf-Blind Child Count have remained relatively stable over the past 5 years. In 2019, approximately 87% were identified as having one or more additional disabilities—most commonly speech/language impairments (74%), cognitive impairments (67%), and orthopedic/physical impairments (60%). Approximately half (52%) are identified as having complex health care needs.

The number with multiple additional disabilities has increased over time. In 2005, just 13% of children had four or more additional disabilities. In 2019, it was 42%. Conversely, more children are being identified with no additional disabilities, increasing from 11.5% to 12.7% over the past five years.