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1 in 4 Chicago Adults Live with a Disability, Majority on South and West Sides
New report uncovers inequities in neighborhoods and calls for cooperative effort to improve conditions
Published on Feb. 10, 2026
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A new report from the City of Chicago reveals that one in four adults in the city live with a disability, with the majority residing on the South and West sides. The report provides key data on the city's disability population and the inequities they face in their neighborhoods, laying the groundwork for improving conditions through a collaborative effort among city agencies, policymakers, and community leaders.
Why it matters
This report sheds light on a significant population in Chicago that has historically faced challenges and inequities, particularly in underserved neighborhoods. By documenting the realities of people with disabilities, the city can now work to address the infrastructure, safety, and access issues that prevent this community from fully participating in and benefiting from all that the city has to offer.
The details
The report, co-authored by the Chicago Department of Public Health and the Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities, found that Black residents make up the majority of the city's disability population at 32%, followed by Latinos at 27%. Eight neighborhoods, all on the South and West sides, had at least 40% of residents report having a disability, with the Austin neighborhood having the most adults with disabilities at around 26,000. Cognitive and mobility issues were the most common types of disabilities reported. People with disabilities reported less access to well-maintained sidewalks, transit, fresh food, and neighborhood parks, as well as feeling less safe and having lower trust in local government.
- The report was released on Tuesday, February 10, 2026.
The players
Simbo Ige
Commissioner of the City of Chicago Department of Public Health, which co-authored the report.
Tessa Day
Epidemiologist with the City of Chicago Department of Public Health and an author of the report.
What they’re saying
“There are many things this report makes visible. We cannot do a good job as public agencies if we are not listening, if we're not learning, if we're not documenting the realities of the people we are supposed to be serving.”
— Simbo Ige, Commissioner, Chicago Department of Public Health (wbez.org)
“What we shared today is only part of a much broader landscape toward achieving that goal of communities that are designed in a way that facilitates easy access to resources for all Chicagoans, including those with disabilities.”
— Tessa Day, Epidemiologist, Chicago Department of Public Health (wbez.org)
What’s next
The report calls for a cooperative effort among all city agencies, policymakers and community leaders 'to foster inclusive social and built environments' for people with disabilities in Chicago.
The takeaway
This report shines a light on the significant population of Chicagoans living with disabilities, particularly in underserved neighborhoods on the South and West sides. By documenting the inequities this community faces, the city can now work to improve infrastructure, safety, and access to resources, ensuring that all residents can fully participate in and benefit from what Chicago has to offer.
