Special Education data reports a decrease of 22% in the number of children enrolled with disabilities at our local schools (compared to a slight increase throughout CA). This may be due to increased enrollment in private schools or charter schools that did not provide data for this report. Since 2002, there has been a 72.8% increase in the number of children served under the disability of autism, and a 47.3% increase in the number of children served under “other health impairments”. This is still slightly less than the increase reported throughout CA.
Cabrillo is serving 1,641 students with a wide range of disabilities. Census data from 2000 documents that Santa Cruz has a much higher percent of adults with disabilities enrolled in college or graduate school than the current state average, and a slightly higher percentage of people with disabilities who have a bachelor’s degree or higher.
County Mental Health data reports 4,525 people living in Santa Cruz diagnosed with a mental health condition. Almost 30% of the individuals receiving support through County Mental Health are diagnosed with a mood disorder.
The San Andreas Regional Center reports that there are 1,230 people with developmental disabilities living in Santa Cruz County. Over 50% of these individuals are under the age of 17. The vast majority of people with developmental disabilities are living in their family home until the age of 23, then approximately 1/3 move away from their family home. The majority who move out relocate to a residential care home where they live with others who also have a developmental disability.
16.7% of the survey respondents reported they are living in a household with a person who has been diagnosed with a disability. Over a quarter of the people with disabilities responding are between the ages of 75-84. Approximately 2/3rds of all the respondents reported that the person with a disability participates in their community to the extent they wish. The remaining 1/3 noted a desire for greater participation in many areas, especially social events, activities, and just getting out. To achieve this, a range of supports were identified as needed.
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