It is estimated that 10.6% of Nebraska’s population has one or more disabilities, (about 200,000).¹ Among the top disabilities are: visual, hearing, physical, behavioral, self-care and independent living. Assistance care may be offered in numerous child care agencies, community outreach services and group homes located throughout the state. Developmental disabilities are further defined as a severe chronic disability that is attributable to a mental or physical impairment. Currently about 5,000 people of all ages receive services through the Nebraska Medicaid waiver program.² Nebraska does operate one large facility that houses 175 citizens at the State Development Center in Beatrice.

Disabilities can create difficulty in performing daily activities such as dressing, bathing and personal hygiene. People with a disability are more likely to experience dental problems due to these conditions. They may not have the motor skills needed to use a toothbrush correctly and they may not be able to cooperate with the dental staff for X-rays or fillings. They may have communication problems or require special medications. Few studies have been done on this group but, adults may have higher disease rates than the general public and children are at even more risk.

Sources:

1. United States Census Bureau. State & County QuickFacts; 2013. Available at: http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/00000.html.

2. Medicaid Waiver Program. Nebraska Medicaid Waiver Disability Services & Waivers. Retrieved Date: 03/10/2015. Available at: http://medicaidwaiver.org/state/nebraska.html.