(ARA) - The number of U.S. workers experiencing a long-term disability continues to grow at an alarming rate. Studies show that three out of every 10 workers between the ages of 25 and 65 will experience an accident or illness that keeps them out of work for three months or longer.

To help wage earners learn more about the realities and financial consequences of disability, The Council for Disability Awareness (CDA) launched a comprehensive Web site, found at www.disabilitycanhappen.org. The site is one component of a public awareness campaign aimed at empowering wage earners with information to better prepare themselves for a potential disability and its financial consequences.

The CDA Web site includes facts and figures about disability and real life stories from people who have experienced a disability. Most people associate disability with accidents or workplace injuries. But the reality is that long-term disabilities are primarily caused by illnesses such as cancer, heart disease and diabetes. To help reduce the chances of becoming disabled, the new site includes healthy living tips, wellness information, links to additional resources and organizations, and recent news articles that provide useful advice.

Recent reports indicate that few Americans have adequate savings with over half of all households living paycheck to paycheck. Disability can drain a family's savings and jeopardize their financial security. To help users plan accordingly, the CDA site can assist users in determining their monthly income and expenses in the event of a disability. The site has tools to help families estimate what their income and expenses might look like during a disability and provide them with a guide for developing a specific action plan.

CDA updates its Web site regularly with new and useful information for consumers. For more information visit www.disabilitycanhappen.org.