More Than 1 in 10 People Ages 5 and Older Are Living With a Disability

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NASSAU , BAHAMAS – New data from the Bahamas National Statistical Institute is providing the clearest picture yet of disability across the country, revealing that more than 38,000 people ages five and older are living with a disability.

It marks a significant increase from figures recorded just over a decade ago.

New data from the Bahamas National Statistical Institute shows that more than one in 10 people aged five and older are living with a disability.

Kim Saunders – Chief Statistician, Bahamas National Statistical Institute

“According to the 2022 Census, a total of 38,551 persons with disabilities were recorded in The Bahamas, representing 10.3 percent of the population aged five years and older.”

This third installment of the 2022 Census of Population and Housing report examines the demographic, social, educational, and housing characteristics of persons living with disabilities across the country.

To collect the data, the census used the internationally recognized Washington Group Short Set of Questions on Disability.

Questions centered on seeing, hearing, walking or climbing stairs, remembering or concentrating, self-care, and communicating.

Individuals were asked whether they had no difficulty, some difficulty, a lot of difficulty, or could not perform the function at all.

With the majority of the population living in the capital, Saunders says New Providence recorded the largest number of people with disabilities, accounting for more than 26,000 individuals, or nearly 70 percent of the national total.

Less populated islands like Ragged Island, Inagua, and Mayaguana recorded the highest proportion of people with disabilities relative to their population size.

Kim Saunders – Chief Statistician, Bahamas National Statistical Institute

“Ragged Island, 32.7 percent; Inagua, 28 percent; and Mayaguana, 27.8 percent. This is likely influenced by the relatively older age structure of these islands, which have higher proportions of residents aged 50 years and older.”

The report also had this startling finding when it comes to children.

Kim Saunders – Chief Statistician, Bahamas National Statistical Institute

“Seventy-four persons, or 15.1 percent of the individuals who reported being unable to speak at all, were of school age between five and 17 years old.”

Bahamas National Statistical Institute Managing Director Dr. Jameko Deleveaux said that the finding underscores the need for continued attention to inclusive education, accessibility, and support services.