A new report has been published on the experiences and characteristics of students with disabilities in Fairfax County. The findings are based on the 2023-2024 Fairfax County Youth Survey, which aims to provide insights for educators, parents, caregivers, and community members. The report seeks to promote equitable opportunities and empower youth with disabilities.
The survey revealed that one in four students self-reported having one or more disabilities. Many respondents indicated they had mental health or emotional conditions, learning disabilities, or other health issues. Students with disabilities reported higher instances of mental and behavioral health concerns compared to their peers without disabilities. They also faced increased risks of bullying, cyberbullying, domestic violence, and dating violence.
There were noted disparities in protective factors between students with and without disabilities across family, school, community, and individual domains. However, students with disabilities participated in extracurricular activities, civic activities, and maintained nutrition habits at similar rates as those without disabilities.
The report includes resources for parents and caregivers to support youth with disabilities. More detailed information can be found in the full 2023-2024 Youth Survey report or a summary titled “5 Things to Know about the Youth Survey” available on News Center.
Since 2001, the Board of Supervisors and the School Board have co-sponsored this annual survey to monitor behavior trends among youth. It is conducted anonymously among Fairfax County Public Schools students in grades 6, 8, 10, and 12. In 2023, questions regarding disabilities were introduced for the first time.
The survey is administered online each fall in eight languages: Arabic, Chinese, English, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Urdu, and Vietnamese. In 2023 alone, it included responses from 28,545 students in grades 8 through 12 (66% of enrolled students) and from 11,444 sixth graders (87% of enrolled students).
