Idaho Failing To Care For Adults With Disabilities, Data Reveals

A large percentage of adults with disabilities in America require round-the-clock care from both family and licensed caregivers. Data has suggested that Idaho could be doing a lot more to provide safe environments, education, and independent living for these men and women who so desperately need it.

Examples of adults with disabilities include those who have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, fragile X syndrome, and other types of genetic and learning disorders, according to Accessibly.com. The root of most of these disorders presents itself at birth in the form of chromosomal mutations.

Things like employment rates, wheelchair friendliness, median wage, college degrees, and poor housing environments factored into the study.

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I happen to work with more than 100 adults with disabilities five days a week when I'm not fulfilling my journalistic duties. I was hired in 2024 to be an instructor for a company that helps condition these individuals for independent living and to gain the ability to function safely while out in public. I never thought I would have as fulfilling a duty in life, but that's exactly how I feel every time I clock out and head home.

From handling seizures and emotional outbursts to assisting with feeding and supervising hygiene, the workers in this field are truly doing an exceptional service to the communities they live in. My workdays include hosting a podcast, and teaching subjects including STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), life skills, safety, and nutrition.

Data published by AAA State of Play reveals that Idaho ranks 32nd in the country as far as states that are providing proper care and advancement for adults with disabilities. Things like employment rates, wheelchair friendliness, median wage, college degrees, and poor housing environments factored into the study.