2007 Disability Status Report: United States Contents Introduction * Introduction <#p1> * New Features and Notes <#p2> Summaries * Summary <#p3> * Prevalence by State: Ages 21 to 64 <#p4> * Employment by State: Ages 21 to 64 <#p5> Demographics * Prevalence: Ages 5 and Older <#p6> * Prevalence: Ages 5 to 15 <#p8> * Prevalence: Ages 16 to 20 <#p10> * Prevalence: Ages 21 to 64 (Working-Age) <#p12> * Prevalence: Ages 65 to 74 <#p14> * Prevalence: Ages 75 and Older <#p16> * Prevalence: Gender and Age <#p18> * Prevalence: Hispanic / Latino Origin and Age <#p20> * Prevalence: Race <#p22> Outcomes * Employment <#p24> * Not Working but Actively Looking for Work <#p26> * Full-Time / Full-Year Employment <#p28> * Annual Earnings <#p30> * Annual Household Income <#p32> * Poverty <#p34> * Supplemental Security Income (SSI) <#p36> * Education: High School Diploma / Equivalent <#p39> * Education: Some College / Associate's Degree <#p40> * Education: Bachelor's Degree or More <#p42> Glossary <#p44> About the StatsRRTC <#p48> The 2007 Annual Disability Status Report The Annual Disability Status Reports provide policy makers, disability advocates, reporters, and the public with a summary of the most recent demographic and economic statistics on the non-institutionalized population with disabilities. They contain information on the population size and disability prevalence for various demographic subpopulations, as well as statistics related to employment, earnings, and household income. Comparisons are made to people without disabilities and across disability types. Disability Status Reports and other statistics are available for each state, DC, and Puerto Rico at www.disabilitystatistics.org . The Status Reports primarily look at the working-age population because the employment gap between people with and without disabilities is a major focus of government programs and advocacy efforts. Employment is also a key factor in the social integration and economic self-sufficiency of working-age people with disabilities. The estimates in the 2007 Disability Status Report are based on American Community Survey (ACS) data — a US Census Bureau survey designed to replace the decennial census long form. See the ACS User Guide on www.disabilitystatistics.org for additional information on the ACS. In 2006 the ACS began to sample people living in institutional and non-institutional group quarters. Small sample sizes prohibit the estimation of the population with disabilities living in institutional group quarters for many states, thus we are not including statistics on institutionalization. The estimates in these reports are based on responses from a sample of the population and may differ from actual population values because of sampling variability and other factors. As a result, differences between the estimates for two or more groups may not be statistically significant. Suggested Citation Erickson, W., & Lee, C. (2008). 2007 Disability Status Report: The United States. Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Disability Demographics and Statistics. Back to top <#top> New Features and Notes New Features * Additional Topics: * This year, at the request of our users, we have added a new section regarding disability prevalence rates for those of Hispanic or Latino origin by age. *Margin of Error (MOE):* We have replaced the Standard Error calculation provided in our tables in past years with the 90% MOE to better illustrate sampling variability. See the glossary entry for more information on this topic. Further Notes * Puerto Rico: * A Puerto Rico Disability Status Report, based on the parallel 2007 Puerto Rico Community Survey, is available again this year. However, please note that the Puerto Rico sample is not included in estimations covering the U.S. population as a whole. *Group Quarters:* In 2006, the ACS began surveying the group quarters population. We include the non-institutionalized group quarters population, but exclude the institutionalized group quarters population (see glossary <##p44>) in the 2006 and 2007 estimates. Therefore, it is not advisable to compare the 2006 or 2007 Disability Status Reports to the earlier 2004 and 2005 Disability Status Reports. * Reconfigured Topics: * Median household income is now calculated with the household, rather than the person, as the unit of analysis. The annual labor earnings statistic has been replaced by annual earnings, which is the sum of wage and salary income and self-employment income. Because of these changes, comparisons to previous Disability Status Reports of household income and earnings should not be made. * Glossary:* As in previous years, we provide a comprehensive glossary at the back of this report defining the terms used in the Disability Status Report. (See glossary <##p44>.) * Note: * According to the Census Bureau, estimates based on the ACS Public Use Microdata Sample (PUMS) file may differ slightly from the ACS summary tables produced by the Census Bureau because they are subject to additional sampling error and further data processing operations. Please see www.ilr.cornell.edu/edi/disabilitystatistics/faq.cfm for further information. the United States Summary These statistics indicate the social and economic status of non-institutionalized people with disabilities in the United States, using data from the 2007 American Community Survey (ACS). *Age:* In 2007, the prevalence of disability in the US was: * 14.9 percent for persons ages 5 + * 6.3 percent for persons ages 5 to 15 * 6.8 percent for persons ages 16 to 20 * 12.8 percent for persons ages 21 to 64 * 29.7 percent for persons ages 65 to 74 * 52.9 percent for persons ages 75 + *Gender:* In 2007, 15.5 percent of females ages 5 and older and 14.3 percent of males ages 5 and older in the US reported a disability. *Hispanic/Latino:* In 2007, the prevalence of disability among persons ages 5 and older of Hispanic or Latino origin in the US was 10.7 percent. *Race:* In the US in 2007, the prevalence of disability for working-age people (ages 21 to 64) was: * 12.6 percent among Whites * 17 percent among Black / African Americans * 6.3 percent among Asians * 22.5 percent among Native Americans * 11.7 percent among persons of some other race *Employment:* In 2007, the employment rate of working-age people (ages 21 to 64) with disabilities in the US was 36.9 percent. *Looking for Work:* In the US in 2007, the percentage actively looking for work among people with disabilities who were not working was 8.4 percent. *Full-Time/Full-Year Employment:* In the US in 2007, the percentage of working-age people with disabilities working full-time/ full-year was 21.2 percent. *Annual Earnings:* In 2007, the median annual earnings of working-age people with disabilities working full-time/full-year in the US was $34,200. *Annual Household Income:* In the US in 2007, the median annual income of households with working-age people with disabilities was $$38,400. *Poverty:* In the US in 2007, the poverty rate of working-age people with disabilities was 24.7 percent. *Supplemental Security Income:* In 2007, the percentage of working-age people with disabilities receiving SSI payments in the US was 17.1 percent. *Educational Attainment:* In 2007, the percentage of working-age people with disabilities in the US: * With only a high school diploma or equivalent was 35.3 percent * With only some college or an associate degree was 27.9 percent * With a bachelor's degree or more was 12.5 percent Back to top <#top> Prevalence: Ages 21 - 64 This summary lists percentages by state of non-institutionalized working-age (ages 21 to 64) people with disabilities using data from the 2007 American Community Survey (ACS). Location 2007 Alabama 19.3 Alaska 15.0 Arizona 12.0 Arkansas 19.0 California 10.9 Colorado 10.8 Connecticut 10.4 Delaware 12.2 District of Columbia 11.8 Florida 12.1 Georgia 12.7 Hawaii 10.7 Idaho 12.6 Illinois 10.3 Indiana 13.6 Iowa 12.4 Kansas 12.0 Kentucky 19.5 Louisiana 16.2 Maine 18.1 Maryland 10.9 Massachusetts 11.4 Michigan 14.4 Minnesota 10.3 Mississippi 19.5 Missouri 15.0 Montana 13.5 Nebraska 10.9 Nevada 11.2 New Hampshire 11.3 New Jersey 9.3 New Mexico 14.5 New York 11.7 North Carolina 14.9 North Dakota 10.1 Ohio 14.1 Oklahoma 17.3 Oregon 13.9 Pennsylvania 13.8 Puerto Rico 24.4 Rhode Island 14.2 South Carolina 15.1 South Dakota 12.7 Tennessee 16.8 Texas 12.2 Utah 10.4 Vermont 13.2 Virginia 11.1 Washington 14.0 West Virginia 22.4 Wisconsin 11.3 Wyoming 13.7 Employment: Ages 21 - 64 This summary lists employment rates by state of non-institutionalized working-age (ages 21 to 64) people with disabilities using data from the 2007 American Community Survey (ACS). Location People with Disabilities, 2007 People without Disabilities, 2007 Alabama 31.4 79.5 Alaska 47.4 80.4 Arizona 35.4 77.3 Arkansas 31.9 79.0 California 36.8 77.3 Colorado 44.6 81.8 Connecticut 42.7 82.2 Delaware 36.0 79.8 District of Columbia 33.3 80.7 Florida 37.6 78.9 Georgia 34.3 79.2 Hawaii 44.0 80.0 Idaho 41.7 80.2 Illinois 39.2 79.3 Indiana 37.1 80.8 Iowa 47.0 85.2 Kansas 43.7 83.6 Kentucky 30.4 79.3 Louisiana 33.6 77.3 Maine 38.6 83.3 Maryland 42.8 82.5 Massachusetts 36.5 82.3 Michigan 31.3 76.7 Minnesota 46.1 84.2 Mississippi 30.4 77.3 Missouri 37.6 81.4 Montana 42.2 80.6 Nebraska 48.0 86.1 Nevada 40.1 79.7 New Hampshire 43.2 84.7 New Jersey 37.2 79.8 New Mexico 38.3 77.3 New York 34.0 78.6 North Carolina 35.6 80.5 North Dakota 56.0 85.8 Ohio 35.9 80.5 Oklahoma 37.7 80.4 Oregon 41.2 79.5 Pennsylvania 35.3 81.2 Puerto Rico 21.8 59.9 Rhode Island 37.2 82.4 South Carolina 30.0 79.3 South Dakota 46.4 86.2 Tennessee 32.3 79.9 Texas 38.7 78.5 Utah 49.5 80.9 Vermont 46.7 85.4 Virginia 37.7 82.3 Washington 40.9 80.6 West Virginia 26.6 76.3 Wisconsin 43.2 83.6 Wyoming 49.9 86.0 Back to top <#top> Prevalence: Ages 5 and Older Introduction This section addresses the prevalence of disability among non-institutionalized people ages 5 and older in the United States, using data from the 2007 American Community Survey (ACS). For definitions of terms, see Glossary <#p44>. Quick Statistics * In 2007, the overall percentage (prevalence rate) of people with a disability ages 5 and older in the US was 14.9 percent. * In other words, in 2007, 41,306,000 of the 276,758,000 individuals ages 5 and older in the US reported one or more disabilities. * In the US in 2007, among the six types of disabilities identified in the ACS, the highest prevalence rate was "Physical Disability," 9.4 percent. The lowest prevalence rate was for "Self-Care Disability," 3.0 percent. Prevalence of disability among non-institutionalized people ages 5 and older in the United States in 2007^* <#fn7> Disability Type Percent MOE Number MOE Base Pop. Sample Size Any Disability 14.9 0.0 41,306,000 117,300 276,758,000 2,765,433 Sensory 4.2 0.0 11,696,000 65,900 276,758,000 2,765,433 Physical 9.4 0.0 25,930,000 95,600 276,758,000 2,765,433 Mental 5.8 0.0 16,021,000 76,500 276,758,000 2,765,433 Self-Care 3.0 0.0 8,382,000 56,100 276,758,000 2,765,433 Go-Outside-Home 5.4 0.0 12,631,000 68,300 232,329,000 2,331,218 Employment 7.1 0.0 13,826,000 71,300 196,103,000 1,895,941 ^* *Note:* Go-Outside-Home disability question only asked of persons aged 16 year old and older. Employment disability only includes persons aged 16-64. Back to top <#top> Prevalence: Ages 5 to 15 years Introduction This section focuses on the prevalence of disability among non-institutionalized children ages 5 to 15 in the United States, using data from the 2007 American Community Survey (ACS). For definitions of terms, see Glossary <#p44>. Quick Statistics * In 2007, the overall percentage (prevalence rate) of people with a disability ages 5 to 15 in the US was 6.3 percent. * In other words, in 2007, 2,786,000 of the 44,429,000 individuals ages 5 to 15 in the US reported one or more disabilities. * In the US in 2007, among the six types of disabilities identified in the ACS, the highest prevalence rate was "Mental Disability," 5.1 percent. The lowest prevalence rate was for "Self-Care Disability," 0.9 percent. Prevalence of disability among non-institutionalized people ages 5 to 15 in the United States in 2007 Disability Type Percent MOE Number MOE Base Pop. Sample Size Any Disability 6.3 0.1 2,786,000 32,600 44,429,000 434,215 Sensory 1.1 3.3 489,000 13,700 44,429,000 434,215 Physical 1.1 3.3 508,000 14,000 44,429,000 434,215 Mental 5.1 0.1 2,260,000 29,400 44,429,000 434,215 Self-Care 0.9 3.3 401,000 12,400 44,429,000 434,215 Back to top <#top> Prevalence: Ages 16 to 20 years Introduction This section focuses on the prevalence of disability among non-institutionalized children ages 16 to 20 in the United States, using data from the 2007 American Community Survey (ACS). For definitions of terms, see Glossary <#p44>. Quick Statistics * In 2007, the overall percentage (prevalence rate) of people with a disability ages 16 to 20 in the US was 6.8 percent. * In other words, in 2007, 1,496,000 of the 21,897,000 individuals ages 16 to 20 in the US reported one or more disabilities. * In the US in 2007, among the six types of disabilities identified in the ACS, the highest prevalence rate was "Mental Disability," 4.6 percent. The lowest prevalence rate was for "Self-Care Disability," 0.7 percent. Prevalence of disability among non-institutionalized people ages 16 to 20 in the United States in 2007 Disability Type Percent MOE Number MOE Base Pop. Sample Size Any Disability 6.8 0.1 1,496,000 24,000 21,897,000 203,326 Sensory 1.3 3.3 283,000 10,400 21,897,000 203,326 Physical 1.6 3.3 350,000 11,600 21,897,000 203,326 Mental 4.6 0.1 1,018,000 19,800 21,897,000 203,326 Self-Care 0.7 3.3 156,000 7,800 21,897,000 203,326 Go-Outside-Home 1.6 3.3 345,000 11,500 21,897,000 203,326 Employment 2.4 0.1 529,000 14,300 21,897,000 203,326 Back to top <#top> Prevalence: Ages 21 to 64 years Introduction This section focuses on the prevalence of disability among non-institutionalized working-age people (ages 21 to 64) in the United States, using data from the 2007 American Community Survey (ACS). For definitions of terms, see Glossary <#p44>. Quick Statistics * In 2007, the overall percentage (prevalence rate) of people with a disability ages 21 to 64 in the US was 12.8 percent. * In other words, in 2007, 22,295,000 of the 174,206,000 individuals ages 21 to 64 in the US reported one or more disabilities. * In the US in 2007, among the six types of disabilities identified in the ACS, the highest prevalence rate was "Physical Disability," 7.9 percent. The lowest prevalence rate was for "Self-Care Disability," 2.3 percent. Prevalence of disability among non-institutionalized working-age people (ages 21 to 64) in the United States in 2007 Disability Type Percent MOE Number MOE Base Pop. Sample Size Any Disability 12.8 0.1 22,295,000 89,200 174,206,000 1,692,615 Sensory 2.9 0.0 5,033,000 43,700 174,206,000 1,692,615 Physical 7.9 0.0 13,789,000 71,200 174,206,000 1,692,615 Mental 4.7 0.0 8,273,000 55,700 174,206,000 1,692,615 Self-Care 2.3 0.0 4,056,000 39,300 174,206,000 1,692,615 Go-Outside-Home 3.4 0.0 5,931,000 47,400 174,206,000 1,692,615 Employment 7.6 0.0 13,297,000 70,000 174,206,000 1,692,615 Back to top <#top> Prevalence: Ages 65 to 74 years Introduction This section explores the prevalence of disability among non-institutionalized people ages 65 to 74 in the United States, using data from the 2007 American Community Survey (ACS). For definitions of terms, see Glossary <#p44>. Quick Statistics * In 2007, the overall percentage (prevalence rate) of people with a disability ages 65 to 74 in the US was 29.7 percent. * In other words, in 2007, 5,667,000 of the 19,104,000 individuals ages 65 to 74 in the US reported one or more disabilities. * In the US in 2007, among the six types of disabilities identified in the ACS, the highest prevalence rate was "Physical Disability," 23.0 percent. The lowest prevalence rate was for "Self-Care Disability," 6.0 percent. Prevalence of disability among non-institutionalized people ages 65 to 74 in the United States in 2007 Disability Type Percent MOE Number MOE Base Pop. Sample Size Any Disability 29.7 0.2 5,667,000 46,300 19,104,000 233,783 Sensory 9.7 0.1 1,851,000 26,600 19,104,000 233,783 Physical 23.0 0.2 4,391,000 40,900 19,104,000 233,783 Mental 7.5 0.1 1,432,000 23,400 19,104,000 233,783 Self-Care 6.0 0.1 1,140,000 20,900 19,104,000 233,783 Go-Outside-Home 9.1 0.1 1,736,000 25,800 19,104,000 233,783 Back to top <#top> Prevalence: Ages 75 and Older Introduction This section focuses on the prevalence of disability among non-institutionalized people ages 75 and older in the United States, using data from the 2007 American Community Survey (ACS). For definitions of terms, see Glossary <#p44>. Quick Statistics * In 2007, the overall percentage (prevalence rate) of people with a disability ages 75 and older in the US was 52.9 percent. * In other words, in 2007, 9,063,000 of the 17,122,000 individuals ages 75 and older in the US reported one or more disabilities. * In the US in 2007, among the six types of disabilities identified in the ACS, the highest prevalence rate was "Physical Disability," 40.3 percent. The lowest prevalence rate was for "Self-Care Disability," 15.4 percent. Prevalence of disability among non-institutionalized people ages 75 and older in the United States in 2007 Disability Type Percent MOE Number MOE Base Pop. Sample Size Any Disability 52.9 0.2 9,063,000 58,200 17,122,000 201,494 Sensory 23.6 0.2 4,042,000 39,200 17,122,000 201,494 Physical 40.3 0.2 6,893,000 51,000 17,122,000 201,494 Mental 17.8 0.2 3,039,000 34,100 17,122,000 201,494 Self-Care 15.4 0.2 2,629,000 31,700 17,122,000 201,494 Go-Outside-Home 27.0 0.2 4,620,000 41,900 17,122,000 201,494 Back to top <#top> Prevalence: Gender and Age Introduction This section examines the prevalence of disability among people by gender and age group in the United States, using data from the 2007 American Community Survey (ACS). For definitions of terms, see Glossary <#p44>. Quick Statistics * In the US in 2007, the overall percentage (prevalence rate) of males with a disability ages 5 and older was 14.3 percent. * In other words, in 2007, 19,375,000 of the 135,398,000 males ages 5 and older in the US reported one or more disabilities. * In the US in 2007, the overall percentage (prevalence rate) of females with a disability ages 5 and older was 15.5 percent. * In other words, in 2007, 21,931,000 of the 141,360,000 females ages 5 and older in the US reported one or more disabilities. Prevalence of disability among non-institutionalized people by gender and age group in the United States in 2007 Gender & Age Percent MOE Number MOE Base Pop. Sample Size Males: Ages 5+ 14.3 0.1 19,375,000 83,600 135,398,000 1,330,278 Males: Ages 5-15 7.8 0.1 1,775,000 26,100 22,723,000 222,071 Males: Ages 16-20 7.9 0.2 884,000 18,400 11,242,000 103,827 Males: Ages 21-64 12.6 0.1 10,829,000 63,500 85,964,000 814,326 Males: Ages 65-74 29.2 0.3 2,565,000 31,300 8,775,000 108,530 Males: Ages 75+ 49.6 0.4 3,322,000 35,600 6,694,000 81,524 Females: Ages 5+ 15.5 0.1 21,931,000 88,600 141,360,000 1,435,155 Females: Ages 5-15 4.7 0.1 1,011,000 19,700 21,706,000 212,144 Females: Ages 16-20 5.7 0.1 611,000 15,300 10,655,000 99,499 Females: Ages 21-64 13.0 0.1 11,466,000 65,200 88,242,000 878,289 Females: Ages 65-74 30.0 0.3 3,103,000 34,400 10,329,000 125,253 Females: Ages 75+ 55.1 0.3 5,740,000 46,600 10,428,000 119,970 Back to top <#top> Prevalence: Hispanic/Latino Origin and Age Introduction This section examines the prevalence of disability among people by Hispanic/Latino origin and age group in the United States, using data from the 2007 American Community Survey (ACS). For definitions of terms, see Glossary <#p44>. Quick Statistics * In the US in 2007, the overall percentage (prevalence rate) of disability among people of Hispanic/Latino origin ages 5 and older was 10.7 percent. * In other words, in 2007, 4,264,000 of the 39,965,000 people of Hispanic/Latino origin ages 5 and older in the US reported one or more disabilities. * In the US in 2007, the overall percentage (prevalence rate) of disability among people of non-Hispanic/Latino origin ages 5 and older was 15.6 percent. * In other words, in 2007, 37,042,000 of the 236,793,000 people of non-Hispanic/Latino origin ages 5 and older in the US reported one or more disabilities. Prevalence of disability among non-institutionalized people by Hispanic / Latino origin and age group in the United States in 2007 Hispanic/Latino Origin & Age Percent MOE Number MOE Base Pop. Sample Size Hispanic: Ages 5+ 10.7 0.1 4,264,000 40,300 39,965,000 329,444 Hispanic: Ages 5-15 5.0 0.1 447,000 13,100 8,907,000 77,592 Hispanic: Ages 16-20 5.8 0.2 218,000 9,200 3,771,000 31,991 Hispanic: Ages 21-64 10.0 0.1 2,492,000 30,900 24,876,000 197,149 Hispanic: Ages 65-74 36.3 0.8 514,000 14,100 1,418,000 13,619 Hispanic: Ages 75+ 59.6 1.0 592,000 15,100 993,000 9,093 Non-Hispanic: Ages 5+ 15.6 0.1 37,042,000 112,000 236,793,000 2,435,989 Non-Hispanic: Ages 5-15 6.6 0.1 2,338,000 29,900 35,522,000 356,623 Non-Hispanic: Ages 16-20 7.0 0.1 1,277,000 22,200 18,126,000 171,335 Non-Hispanic: Ages 21-64 13.3 0.1 19,803,000 84,500 149,330,000 1,495,466 Non-Hispanic: Ages 65-74 29.1 0.2 5,153,000 44,200 17,686,000 220,164 Non-Hispanic: Ages 75+ 52.5 0.2 8,470,000 56,400 16,129,000 192,401 Back to top <#top> Prevalence: Race Introduction This section presents the disability prevalence rate among non-institutionalized working-age people (ages 21 to 64) by race category in the US, using data from the 2007 American Community Survey (ACS). For definitions of terms, see Glossary <#p44>. Quick Statistics In 2007, among working-age people in the US: * 12.6 percent of persons who were White reported a disability * 17.0 percent of persons who were Black/African American reported a disability * 22.5 percent of persons who were Native American reported a disability * 6.3 percent of persons who were Asian reported a disability * 11.7 percent of persons who were some other race reported a disability Prevalence of disability among non-institutionalized working-age people (ages 21 to 64) by race in the United States in 2007 Race Percent MOE Number MOE Base Pop. Sample Size White 12.6 0.1 16,400,000 77,300 130,401,000 1,334,007 Black/African American 17.0 0.2 3,475,000 36,400 20,423,000 156,556 Native American 22.5 0.7 304,000 10,800 1,354,000 14,457 Asian 6.3 0.2 532,000 14,300 8,508,000 79,047 Some other race(s) 11.7 0.2 1,584,000 24,700 13,521,000 108,548 Back to top <#top> Employment Introduction This section examines the employment rates of non-institutionalized working-age people (ages 21 to 64) with disabilities in the United States, using data from the 2007 American Community Survey (ACS). For definitions of terms, see Glossary <#p44>. Quick Statistics * In 2007, the employment rate of working-age people with disabilities in the US was 36.9 percent. * In 2007, the employment rate of working-age people without disabilities in the US was 79.7 percent. * The gap between the employment rates of working-age people with and without disabilities was 42.8 percentage points. * Among the six types of disabilities identified in the ACS, the highest employment rate was for people with a "Sensory Disability," 46.4 percent. The lowest employment rate was for people with a "Go-Outside-Home Disability," 16.6 percent. Employment of non-institutionalized working-age people (ages 21 to 64) by disability status in the United States in 2007 Disability Type Percent MOE Number MOE Base Pop. Sample Size No Disability 79.7 0.1 121,145,000 167,000 151,911,000 1,471,385 Any Disability 36.9 0.2 8,229,000 56,000 22,295,000 221,230 Sensory 46.4 0.4 2,337,000 30,000 5,033,000 49,074 Physical 31.3 0.3 4,314,000 41,000 13,789,000 139,293 Mental 28.0 0.3 2,316,000 30,000 8,273,000 78,734 Self-Care 16.7 0.4 678,000 16,000 4,056,000 40,153 Go-Outside-Home 16.6 0.3 984,000 19,000 5,931,000 58,186 Employment 17.0 0.2 2,263,000 29,000 13,297,000 133,781 Back to top <#top> Not Working but Actively Looking for Work Introduction This section focuses on the percentage of non-institutionalized working-age people (ages 21 to 64) with disabilities in the United States who are not working but actively looking for work, using data from the 2007 American Community Survey (ACS). For definitions of terms, see Glossary <#p44>. Quick Statistics * In 2007 in the US, the percentage of working-age people with disabilities who were not working but actively looking for work was 8.4 percent. * In 2007 in the US, the percentage of working-age people without disabilities who were not working but actively looking for work was 20.1 percent. * The difference in the percentage not working but actively looking for work between working-age people with and without disabilities was 11.7 percentage points. * Among the six types of disabilities identified in the ACS, the highest percentage was for people with "Sensory Disability," 8.8 percent. The lowest percentage was for people with "Self-Care Disability," 3.3 percent. Percentage who are not working but actively looking for work among non-institutionalized working-age people (ages 21 to 64) in the United States in 2007 Disability Type Percent MOE Number MOE Base Pop. Sample Size No Disability 20.1 0.14 6,198,000 48,400 30,766,000 300,819 Any Disability 8.4 0.15 1,188,000 21,400 14,066,000 139,997 Sensory 8.8 0.34 237,000 9,600 2,696,000 26,081 Physical 6.4 0.16 605,000 15,300 9,475,000 96,283 Mental 7.9 0.22 468,000 13,400 5,957,000 57,051 Self-Care 3.3 0.19 113,000 6,600 3,378,000 33,508 Go-Outside-Home 3.6 0.16 178,000 8,300 4,947,000 48,531 Employment 5.3 0.13 589,000 15,100 11,034,000 111,174 Back to top <#top> Full-Time / Full-Year Employment Introduction This section presents the percentage of non-institutionalized working-age people (ages 21 to 64) with disabilities working full-time/full-year in the United States, using data from the 2007 American Community Survey (ACS). For definitions of terms, see Glossary <#p44>. Quick Statistics * In 2007, the percentage of working-age people with disabilities working full-time/full-year in the US was 21.2 percent. * In 2007, the percentage of working-age people without disabilities working full-time/full-year in the US was 56.7 percent. * The difference in the percentage working full-time/full-year between working-age people with and without disabilities was 35.5 percentage points. * Among the six types of disabilities identified in the ACS, the highest full-time/full-year employment rate was for people with "Sensory Disability," 30.6 percent. The lowest full-time/full-year employment rate was for people with "Go-Outside-Home Disability," 6.9 percent. Full-Time/Full-Year employment of non-institutionalized working-age people (ages 21 to 64) by disability status in the United States in 2007 Disability Type Percent MOE Number MOE Base Pop. Sample Size No Disability 56.7 0.1 86,196,000 180,000 151,911,000 1,471,385 Any Disability 21.2 0.2 4,723,000 49,000 22,295,000 221,230 Sensory 30.6 0.5 1,538,000 28,000 5,033,000 49,074 Physical 17.7 0.2 2,436,000 36,000 13,789,000 139,293 Mental 13.0 0.3 1,079,000 24,000 8,273,000 78,734 Self-Care 7.9 0.3 319,000 13,000 4,056,000 40,153 Go-Outside-Home 6.9 0.2 409,000 15,000 5,931,000 58,186 Employment 7.2 0.2 957,000 22,000 13,297,000 133,781 Back to top <#top> Annual Earnings Introduction This section examines the median annual earnings of non-institutionalized working-age people (ages 21 to 64) with disabilities who work full-time/full-year in the United States, using data from the 2007 American Community Survey (ACS). For definitions of terms, see Glossary <#p44>. Comparisons to the 2006 Disability Status Report are not advisable due to the inclusion of self employment income. Quick Statistics * In 2007, the median earnings of working-age people with disabilities who worked full-time/full-year in the US was $34,200. * In 2007, the median earnings of working-age people without disabilities who worked full-time/full-year in the US was $40,700. * The difference in the median earnings between working-age people with and without disabilities who worked full-time/full-year was $6,500. * Among the six types of disabilities identified in the ACS, the highest annual earnings was for people with "Sensory Disability," $35,600. The lowest annual earnings was for people with "Mental Disability," $30,500. Median annual earnings of non-institutionalized working-age people (ages 21 to 64) who work full-time/full-year by disability status in the United States in 2007 Disability Type Median Earnings Margin of Error Base Population Sample Size No Disability $40,700 $100 86,196,000 822,122 Any Disability $34,200 $340 4,723,000 46,701 Sensory $35,600 $680 1,538,000 15,175 Physical $34,600 $480 2,436,000 24,238 Mental $30,500 $620 1,079,000 10,219 Self-Care $33,800 $1,430 319,000 3,152 Go-Outside-Home $31,500 $1,210 409,000 4,083 Employment $32,500 $790 957,000 9,436 Back to top <#top> Annual Household Income Introduction This section illustrates the median annual income^† <#fn32> of households that include any working-age people (ages 21 to 64) with disabilities in the United States, using data from the 2007 American Community Survey (ACS). For definitions of terms, see Glossary <#p44>. Comparisons to the 2006 Disability Status Report are not advisable due to changes in the household income calculation. Quick Statistics * In 2007, the median income of households that include any working-age people with disabilities in the US was $38,400. * In 2007, the median income of households that do not include any working-age people with disabilities in the US was $61,000. * The difference in the median income between households including and not including working-age people with disabilities was $22,600. * Among the six types of disabilities identified in the ACS, the highest median income was for households including persons with a "Sensory Disability," $41,200. The lowest median income was for households containing persons with a "Mental Disability," $31,500. ^† *Note:* Household income is not available for persons living in group quarters. Median annual income^† <#fn33> of households including any working-age people (ages 21 to 64) by disability status in the United States in 2007 Disability Type Median Earnings Margin of Error Base Population Sample Size No Disability $61,000 $200 76,108,000 761,455 Any Disability $38,400 $320 17,788,000 187,369 Sensory $41,200 $670 4,400,000 45,474 Physical $36,600 $380 11,626,000 123,252 Mental $31,500 $470 6,602,000 68,775 Self-Care $32,400 $650 3,400,000 36,397 Go-Outside-Home $31,900 $550 4,823,000 51,893 Employment $32,200 $370 10,881,000 117,558 ^† *Note:* Household income is not available for persons living in group quarters. Back to top <#top> Poverty Introduction This section examines the poverty rates^† <#fn34> of non-institutionalized working-age people (ages 21 to 64) with disabilities in Delaware, using data from the 2007 American Community Survey (ACS). For definitions of terms, see Glossary <#p44>. Quick Statistics * In 2007, the poverty rate of working-age people with disabilities in the US was 24.7 percent. * In 2007, the poverty rate of working-age people without disabilities in the US was 9.0 percent. * The difference in the poverty rate between working-age people with and without disabilities was 15.7 percentage points. * Among the six types of disabilities identified in the ACS, the highest poverty rate was for people with "Mental Disability," 31.7 percent. The lowest poverty rate was for people with "Sensory Disability," 22.1 percent. ^† *Caution:* The Census Bureau does not calculate poverty status for those people living in military group quarters or college dormitories. Poverty rates^† <#fn35> of non-institutionalized working-age people (ages 21 to 64) by disability status in the United States in 2007 Disability Type Percent MOE Number MOE Base Pop. Sample Size No Disability 9.0 0.1 13,593,000 100,000 151,287,000 1,466,083 Any Disability 24.7 0.3 5,496,000 65,000 22,253,000 220,838 Sensory 22.1 0.5 1,109,000 29,000 5,023,000 48,973 Physical 25.4 0.3 3,495,000 52,000 13,775,000 139,168 Mental 31.7 0.5 2,612,000 45,000 8,249,000 78,519 Self-Care 30.6 0.6 1,239,000 31,000 4,055,000 40,136 Go-Outside-Home 31.1 0.5 1,842,000 38,000 5,929,000 58,166 Employment 30.0 0.4 3,985,000 55,000 13,294,000 133,734 ^† *Caution:* The Census Bureau does not calculate poverty status for those people living in military group quarters or college dormitories. Back to top <#top> Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Introduction This section focuses on the percentage of non-institutionalized working-age people (ages 21 to 64) with disabilities who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments in the United States, using data from the 2007 American Community Survey (ACS). For definitions of terms, see Glossary <#p44>. Please note that these results will differ from official Social Security Administration reports for several reasons. For additional information, please email DisabilityStatistics@cornell.edu. Quick Statistics * In 2007, the percentage of working-age people with disabilities receiving Supplemental Security Income payments in the US was 17.1 percent. * In 2007, the number of working-age people with disabilities receiving Supplemental Security Income payments in the US was 3,818,000. * Among the six types of disabilities identified in the ACS, the highest percentage that received SSI was people with "Go-Outside-Home Disability," 29.2 percent. The lowest percentage that received SSI was people with "Sensory Disability," 14.7 percent. Percentage of non-institutionalized working-age people (ages 21 to 64) with disabilities who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments in the United States in 2007 Disability Type Percent MOE Number MOE Base Pop. Sample Size Any Disability 17.1 0.2 3,818,000 41,000 22,295,000 221,230 Sensory 14.7 0.3 741,000 18,000 5,033,000 49,074 Physical 17.8 0.2 2,454,000 33,000 13,789,000 139,293 Mental 25.7 0.3 2,124,000 31,000 8,273,000 78,734 Self-Care 26.9 0.5 1,091,000 22,000 4,056,000 40,153 Go-Outside-Home 29.2 0.4 1,731,000 28,000 5,931,000 58,186 Employment 24.5 0.3 3,253,000 38,000 13,297,000 133,781 Back to top <#top> Education: High School Diploma/Equivalent Introduction This section explores the percentage of non-institutionalized working-age people (ages 21 to 64) with disabilities with only a high school diploma or equivalent in the United States, using data from the 2007 American Community Survey (ACS). For definitions of terms, see Glossary <#p44>. Quick Statistics * In 2007, the percentage of working-age people with disabilities with only a high school diploma or equivalent in the US was 35.3 percent. * In 2007, the percentage of working-age people without disabilities with only a high school diploma or equivalent in the US was 28.1 percent. * The difference in the percentage with only a high school diploma or equivalent between working-age people with and without disabilities was 7.2 percentage points. * Among the six types of disabilities identified in the ACS, the highest percentage with only a high school diploma or equivalent was for people with "Employment Disability," 36.2 percent. The lowest percentage with only a high school diploma or equivalent was for people with "Sensory Disability," 34.1 percent. Percentage of non-institutionalized working-age people (ages 21 to 64) with only a high school diploma or equivalent by disability status in the United States in 2007 Disability Type Percent MOE Number MOE Base Pop. Sample Size No Disability 28.1 0.1 42,730,000 159,000 151,911,000 1,471,385 Any Disability 35.3 0.3 7,872,000 73,000 22,295,000 221,230 Sensory 34.1 0.6 1,715,000 34,000 5,033,000 49,074 Physical 35.5 0.3 4,894,000 57,000 13,789,000 139,293 Mental 35.0 0.4 2,893,000 44,000 8,273,000 78,734 Self-Care 34.8 0.6 1,410,000 31,000 4,056,000 40,153 Go-Outside-Home 35.1 0.5 2,080,000 38,000 5,931,000 58,186 Employment 36.2 0.4 4,815,000 57,000 13,297,000 133,781 Back to top <#top> Education: Some College/Associate's Degree Introduction This section examines the percentage of non-institutionalized working-age people (ages 21 to 64) with disabilities with only some college or an Associate's degree in the United States, using data from the 2007 American Community Survey (ACS). For definitions of terms, see Glossary <#p44>. Quick Statistics * In 2007, the percentage of working-age people with disabilities with only some college or an Associate's degree in the US was 27.9 percent. * In 2007, the percentage of working-age people without disabilities with only some college or an Associate's degree in the US was 30.2 percent. * The difference in the percentage with only some college or an Associate's degree between working-age people with and without disabilities was 2.3 percentage points. * Among the six types of disabilities identified in the ACS, the highest percentage with only some college or an Associate's degree was for people with "Physical Disability," 28.4 percent. The lowest percentage with only some college or Associate's degree was for people with "Go-Outside-Home Disability," 23.8 percent. Percentage of non-institutionalized working-age people (ages 21 to 64) with only some college or an Associate's degree by disability status in the United States in 2007 Disability Type Percent MOE Number MOE Base Pop. Sample Size No Disability 30.2 0.1 45,869,000 163,000 151,911,000 1,471,385 Any Disability 27.9 0.3 6,219,000 65,000 22,295,000 221,230 Sensory 27.5 0.5 1,382,000 31,000 5,033,000 49,074 Physical 28.4 0.3 3,914,000 51,000 13,789,000 139,293 Mental 24.8 0.4 2,053,000 37,000 8,273,000 78,734 Self-Care 25.8 0.6 1,046,000 27,000 4,056,000 40,153 Go-Outside-Home 23.8 0.5 1,409,000 31,000 5,931,000 58,186 Employment 25.9 0.3 3,438,000 48,000 13,297,000 133,781 Back to top <#top> Education: Bachelor's Degree or More Introduction This section presents the percentage of non-institutionalized working-age people (ages 21 to 64) with disabilities with a Bachelor's degree or more in the United States, using data from the 2007 American Community Survey (ACS). For definitions of terms, see Glossary <#p44>. Quick Statistics * In 2007, the percentage of working-age people with disabilities with a Bachelor's degree or more in the US was 12.5 percent. * In 2007, the percentage of working-age people without disabilities with a Bachelor's degree or more in the US was 30.8 percent. * The difference in the percentage with a Bachelor's degree or more between working-age people with and without disabilities was 18.3 percentage points. * Among the six types of disabilities identified in the ACS, the highest percentage with a Bachelor's degree or more was for people with "Sensory Disability," 14.1 percent. The lowest percentage with a Bachelor's degree or more was for people with "Mental Disability," 9.5 percent. Percentage of non-institutionalized working-age people (ages 21 to 64) with a Bachelor's degree or more by disability status in the United States in 2007 Disability Type Percent MOE Number MOE Base Pop. Sample Size No Disability 30.8 0.1 46,800,000 165,000 151,911,000 1,471,385 Any Disability 12.5 0.2 2,796,000 44,000 22,295,000 221,230 Sensory 14.1 0.4 708,000 22,000 5,033,000 49,074 Physical 11.7 0.2 1,618,000 33,000 13,789,000 139,293 Mental 9.5 0.3 790,000 23,000 8,273,000 78,734 Self-Care 10.7 0.4 436,000 17,000 4,056,000 40,153 Go-Outside-Home 9.9 0.3 585,000 20,000 5,931,000 58,186 Employment 10.1 0.2 1,344,000 30,000 13,297,000 133,781 Back to top <#top> Glossary *Actively Looking for Work:* A person is defined as actively looking for work if he or she reports looking for work during the last four weeks. *Base Population (Base Pop.):* The estimated number of individuals upon which the calculation is based. (For percentages, this is the denominator.) *Disability and Disability Types:* The ACS definition of disability is based on three questions. (1) Does this person have any of the following long-lasting conditions: (a) blindness, deafness, or a severe vision or hearing impairment? [Sensory Disability]; (b) a condition that substantially limits one or more basic physical activities such as walking, climbing stairs, reaching, lifting, or carrying? [Physical Disability] (2) Because of a physical, mental, or emotional condition lasting six months or more, does this person have any difficulty in doing any of the following activities: (a) learning, remembering, or concentrating? [Mental Disability]; (b) dressing, bathing, or getting around inside the home? [Self-Care Disability] (3) Because of a physical, mental, or emotional condition lasting six months or more, does this person have any difficulty in doing any of the following activities [asked of persons ages 16 and older]: (a) going outside the home alone to shop or visit a doctor's office? [Go-Outside-Home Disability]; (b) working at a job or business? [Employment Disability]. A person is coded as having a disability if he or she or a proxy respondent answers affirmatively for one or more of these six categories. *Earnings:* Earnings are defined as wages, salary, commissions, bonuses, or tips from all jobs including self-employment income (NET income after business expenses) from own nonfarm businesses or farm businesses, including proprietorships and partnerships. *Education:* Our definition is based on the responses to the question: "What is the highest level of schooling this person has completed? If currently enrolled, mark the previous grade or highest degree received." Our category "high school diploma/equivalent" includes those marking the ACS option "HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATE — high school DIPLOMA or the equivalent (for example: GED)." Our category "some college or an Associate's degree" includes those marking the ACS options: some college credit, but less than one year; one or more years of college but no degree, or "Associate's degree (for example: AA, AS)." Our category "a Bachelor's or more" includes those marking the ACS options: "Bachelor's degree (for example: BA, AB, BS)"; "Master's degree (for example: MA, MS, MEng, Med, MSW, MBA)"; "Professional degree (for example: MD, DDS, DVM, LLB, JD)"; or "Doctorate degree (for example: PhD, EdD)." *Employment:* A person is considered employed if he or she (a) worked as a paid employee, worked in his or her own business or profession, worked on his or her own farm, or worked 15 or more hours as an unpaid worker on a family farm or business, or (b) had a job but temporarily did not work at that job during the reference period due to illness, bad weather, industrial dispute, vacation or other personal reasons. The reference period is defined as the week preceding the date the questionnaire was completed. *Employment Disability:* This disability type is based on the question asked of persons ages 16 and older: Because of a physical, mental, or emotional condition lasting six months or more, does this person have any difficulty in doing any of the following activities: (b) working at a job or business? *Full-Time/Full-Year Employment:* A person is considered employed full-time/full-year if he or she worked 35 hours or more per week (full-time) and 50 or more weeks per year (full-year). The reference period is defined as the year preceding the date the questionnaire was completed. Note: this does not signify whether a person is eligible for fringe benefits. *Go-Outside-Home Disability:* This disability type is based on the question asked of persons ages 16 and older: Because of a physical, mental, or emotional condition lasting six months or more, does this person have any difficulty in doing any of the following activities: (a) going outside the home alone to shop or visit a doctor's office? *Group Quarters (GQ):* A GQ is a place where people live or stay that is normally owned or managed by an entity or organization providing housing and/or services for the residents. These services may include custodial or medical care as well as other types of assistance, and residency is commonly restricted to those receiving these services. People living in group quarters are usually not related to each other. Group quarters include such places as college residence halls, residential treatment centers, skilled nursing facilities, group homes, military barracks, correctional facilities, and workers' dormitories. See the definitions of institutional GQs and non-institutional GQs for more information. In addition, a description of the types of group quarters included in the 2007 ACS is located on the U.S. Census Bureau's Web site at http://www.census.gov/acs/www/Downloads/2007_ACS_GQ_Definitions.pdf. *Hispanic or Latino Origin:* People of Hispanic or Latino origin are those who classify themselves in a specific Hispanic or Latino category in response to the question, "Is this person Spanish/Hispanic/Latino?" Specifically, those of Hispanic or Latino origin are those who are Cuban; Mexican, Mexican American, Chicano; Puerto Rican; or other Spanish/Hispanic/Latino. Origin may be the heritage, nationality group, lineage, or country of birth of the person or the person's parents or ancestors before their arrival in the United States. People who identify their origin as Spanish, Hispanic, or Latino may be of any race. Back to top <#top> *Household Income:* Household Income is defined as the total income of a household including: wages, salary, commissions, bonuses, or tips from all jobs; self-employment income (NET income after business expenses) from own non-farm or farm businesses, including proprietorships and partnerships; interest, dividends, net rental income, royalty income, or income from real estates and trusts; Social Security or Railroad Retirement; Supplemental Security Income; any public assistance or welfare payments from the state or local welfare office; retirement, survivor or disability pensions; and any other regularly received income (e.g., Veterans' payments, unemployment compensation, child support or alimony). Median household income is calculated with the household as the unit of analysis, using household weights without adjusting for household size. *Institutional Group Quarters (GQs):* Includes facilities for people under formally authorized, supervised care or custody at the time of enumeration. Generally, restricted to the institution, under the care or supervision of trained staff, and classified as "patients" or "inmates." Includes: correctional, nursing, and in-patient hospice facilities, psychiatric hospitals, juvenile group homes and residential treatment centers. *Margin of Error (MOE):* Data, such as data from the American Community Survey, is based on a sample, and therefore statistics derived from this data are subject to sampling variability. The margin of error (MOE) is a measure of the degree of sampling variability. In a random sample, the degree of sampling variation is determined by the underlying variability of the phenomena being estimated (e.g., income) and the size of the sample (i.e., the number of survey participants used to calculate the statistic). The smaller the margin of error, the lower the sampling variability and the more "precise" the estimate. A margin of error is the difference between an estimate and its upper or lower confidence bounds. Confidence bounds are calculated by adding the MOE to the estimate (upper bound) and subtracting the MOE from the estimate (lower bound). All margins of error in this report are based on a 90 percent confidence level. This means that there is a 90% certainty that the actual value lies somewhere between the upper and lower confidence bounds. *Mental Disability:* This disability type is based on the question: Because of a physical, mental, or emotional condition lasting six months or more, does this person have any difficulty in doing any of the following activities: (a) learning, remembering, or concentrating? *Non-Institutional Group Quarters (GQs):* Includes facilities that are not classified as institutional group quarters; such as college/university housing, group homes intended for adults, residential treatment facilities for adults, workers' group living quarters and Job Corps centers and religious group quarters. *Not Working but Actively Looking for Work:* A person is defined as not working but actively looking for work if he or she reports not being employed but has been looking for work during the last four weeks. *Number:* This term appears in the tables; it refers to estimated number of people in the category. (For percentages, this is the numerator.) *Physical Disability:* This disability type is based on the question: Does this person have any of the following long-lasting conditions: (b) a condition that substantially limits one or more basic physical activities such as walking, climbing stairs, reaching, lifting, or carrying? *Poverty:* The poverty measure is computed based upon the standards defined in Directive 14 from the Office of Management and Budget. These standards use poverty thresholds created in 1982 and index these thresholds to 2007 dollars using poverty factors based upon the Consumer Price Index. They use the family as the income sharing unit and family income is the sum of total income from each family member living in the household. The poverty threshold depends upon the size of the family; the age of the householder; and the number of related children under the age of 18. *Race:* Our race categories are based on the question, "[w]hat is this person's race? Mark (X) one or more races to indicate what this person considers himself/herself to be." Responses include the following: White; Black or African-American; American Indian or Alaska Native (print name of enrolled or principal tribe); Asian Indian; Chinese; Filipino; Japanese; Korean; Vietnamese; Other Asian (Print Race); Native Hawaiian; Guamanian or Chamarro; Samoan; Other Pacific Islander (Print Race Below); Some other race (print race below). Other race also contains people who report more than one race. *Sample Size:* The number of survey participants used to calculate the statistic. *Self-Care Disability:* This disability type is based on the question: Because of a physical, mental, or emotional condition lasting six months or more, does this person have any difficulty in doing any of the following activities: (b) dressing, bathing, or getting around inside the home? *Sensory Disability:* This disability type is based on the question: Does this person have any of the following long-lasting conditions: (a) blindness, deafness, or a severe vision or hearing impairment? *Supplemental Security Income (SSI):* A person is defined as receiving SSI payments if he or she reports receiving SSI income in the 12 months prior to the survey. Back to top <#top> About the StatsRRTC About the Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Disability Demographics and Statistics (StatsRRTC) The Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Disability Demographics and Statistics (StatsRRTC) bridges the divide between the sources of disability data and the users of disability statistics. We conduct research exploring the reliability of existing data sources and collection methods, and study the potential to improve current and future data collection efforts. The StatsRRTC is an interdisciplinary effort of two organizations at Cornell University: the Employment and Disability Institute, and the Department of Policy Analysis and Management. In addition, expertise is drawn from the following collaborating institutions: American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), Center for an Accessible Society, InfoUse, and Mathematica Policy Research, Inc. The StatsRRTC is funded by the U.S. Department of Education, National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (No. H133B031111). The contents of this paper do not necessarily represent the policy of the Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government (Edgar, 75.620 (b)). StatsRRTC Co-Principal Investigators Susanne M. Bruyere: Director, Employment and Disability Institute, School of Industrial and Labor Relations, Extension Division, Cornell University Richard V. Burkhauser: Sarah Gibson Blanding Professor, Department of Policy Analysis and Management, College of Human Ecology, Cornell University David C. Stapleton: Mathmatica Policy Research, Center for Disability Policy Contact Us Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Disability Demographics and Statistics Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853 Phone: 607.255.7727 Email: disabilitystatistics@cornell.edu Web: www.disabilitystatistics.org Back to top <#top>