LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KTHV) -- More than 56 million had a disability in 2010 or 19 percent of the population. The report by the U.S. Census Bureau shows a 2.2 million increase since 2005.
Rita Byers, director of Mainstream, helps people with all types of disabilities.
"We help them develop resumes and search for positions and do interviews," says Byers.
But it's hard to get the word out about services.
"In Arkansas, we have a lot of rural areas where people don't get a lot of resources," says Byers.
Now, you can apply for disability benefits online at social security.gov. You'll have to fill out a lengthy medical authorization form.
"If you suffer from migraine headaches, say that. Don't just say I have a back injury. List everything that is wrong with you," says Byers.
"If someone is denied then you can appeal it. We say always appeal it,"says Nan Ellen East who is the director of the Arkansas Disability Rights Center. She says there are ways to receive benefits and work at the same time.
"You can be self-employed. It's called customized employment," says East.
Although one in five people have a disability-- that doesn't mean they're all drawing out benefits.
"There are hundreds and hundreds of people who are working with hidden disabilities," says Byers.