Reports and Statistics on the Employment of Individuals with Disabilities and Vocational Rehabilitation

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Page last updated: 7/07/10

Statement on Bureau of Labor Statistics Release of Unemployment rate for individuals with a disability: Unemployment Rate Response

Unemployment and Labor Participation Rate of Individuals with Disabilities

Monthly Unemployment Rate For Individuals with Disabilities
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) monthly unemployment rate and labor participation rate now includes a subcategory for individuals with disabilities (the first report was released in February 2009). 

The unemployment rate includes individuals who actively sought employment within the last four weeks or who are expecting a recall after a layoff, are not working, and are available to work.  The rate does not measure individuals who are discouraged or otherwise not in the labor force, and does include individuals who reside in an institution but who may be actively seeking employment.  The unemployment number is not seasonally adjusted and therefore should not be compared with seasonally adjusted rates.  The typically reported monthly overall unemployment rate is seasonally adjusted.   

In June 2010 “the unemployment rate for those with disabilities was 14.4 percent, compared with 9.4 percent for persons with no disability, not seasonally adjusted.”

The labor participation rate includes individuals who are either employed or unemployed by the above definition.  Individuals who are not employed, or did not seek employment in the last four weeks, are not awaiting a recall, or are not available to work are not included in this rate.  As with the unemployment rate, this number does not include individuals who reside in an institution and is not seasonally adjusted.

“In June 2010, the percentage of people with disabilities in the labor force was 21.7.  By comparison, the percentage of persons with no disability in the labor force was 70.5.”

 

Statistics on the Employment of Individuals with Disabilities

Cornell University Disability Statistics Online
A project of Cornell University’s School of Industrial and Labor Relations (ILR), Disability and Employment Institute funded by the National Institute on Disability Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR). The website provides some of the most up to date and comprehensive statistics on disability and employment, including the employment rate, at both a state and national level.

U.S. Census Bureau, Disability Page
Contains publications on disability statistics and allows for customized information on disability, employment, and other factors listed at the municipal, state, and national levels, as well as other geographic configurations.

U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission ADA Statistics
Information on the number and handling of complaints (know as a “charge”) of employment discrimination by the EEOC under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Reports on the Vocational Rehabilitation System

 

U.S. Government Accountability Office, Improved Information and Practices May Enhance State Agency Earnings Outcomes for SSA Beneficiaries (May 2007) [PDF] 

            Synopsis of GAO Report, David T. Hutt, National Disability Rights Network

 

 Reports on Special Minimum Wage

U.S. Government Accountability Office, Special Minimum Wage Program: Centers Offer Employment and Support Services to Workers With Disabilities, But Labor Should Improve Oversight (September 2001) [GAO-01-886]

Virginia Commonwealth University and the Institute for Community Inclusion University of Massachusetts Boston, Results of a National Survey of Community Rehabilitation Providers Holding Special Wage Certificates (October 2007) [PDF]