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Mike Mitka

JAMA. 2007;297:2462-2464.

	Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text and any section headings.

While today's headlines often warn about a pending public health crisis due to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and their associated conditions, the needs of patients with a disability seem to be almost ignored. But a look at current and projected numbers of individuals with a disability indicate that disability care is emerging as a major issue.

An estimated 40 million people in the United States currently have physical, sensory, or motor impairment (some long- or short-term limitations either in function or ability to engage in normal life activities). That number is expected to surge over the next 3 decades, as the baby boom generation begins its retirement years.

(Photo credit: Lee Powers/www.sciencesource.com)

"If one considers people who now are disabled, those likely to develop a future disability, and people who are or will be affected by the disabilities of family members or others close to them, . . . [Full Text of this Article]

GOVERNMENT INVOLVEMENT