A pair of new annual publications from the University of New Hampshire’s Institute on Disability provides surprising statistics about the state’s disabled population and the government programs that serve them.

“Facts & Figures: The 2011 Annual Report on Disability in New Hampshire” and “To the Point: An Introduction to Disability in the Granite State” offer some alarming insights in the wake of a new state budget that slashes funding for hospitals, mental health services, and some educational programs. 

“Facts & Figures” focuses on demographics, education, economic well-being, and participation in government programs. According to the report, more than 11 percent of New Hampshire residents—about 149,087 people—reported having a disability in 2009. 

Among disabled residents between the ages of 18 and 64, 40 percent were employed and 20 percent were living below the poverty line. By comparison, 80 percent of citizens without disabilities were employed and only 7 percent were earning below the poverty line.

Among the state’s adults with disabilities, just 23 percent had at least a two-year college degree. By comparison, nearly 48 percent of New Hampshire residents without disabilities had the same level of education.

Research director Andrew Houtenville, said cuts in services, on top of the preexisting poverty level and high unemployment rate, raise concerns that “these kinds of things could get worse.”

He said some of the most important social services for people with disabilities are educational and vocational support programs. These programs work to help people become and remain independent and integrated in society.

“A lack of spending now could cost more down the line,” Houtenville said.

The report suggests that giving the same educational opportunities to students with disabilities requires “inclusive education” so that all are taught in the same setting. Spending more time in general education classrooms fosters better attendance, as well as greater engagement, achievement, and social adjustment of students with disabilities, it says.

In New Hampshire, only one in 10 of those with multiple disabilities or mental retardation is included in a typical classroom for at least 80 percent of the school day. One in three of those with autism or emotional disturbance reach that level, and about one in two individuals with other types of disabilities. In general, New Hampshire rates are substantially below the national average.

The number of disability-related Medicaid enrollees as a percentage of people with disabilities under age 65 is far lower in New Hampshire (21.5 percent) than in neighboring states. It’s also lower than the national average of 38.4 percent. 

The statistics were primarily drawn from the Census Bureau’s 2009 American Community Survey, as well as administrative reports from government agencies. To read the entire reports, visit www.iod.unh.edu.