CPS Disability Supplement--May 2012

Terence M. McMenamin

Economist

Division of Labor Force Statistics

Disability Compendium Briefing

11/02/2011

www.bls.gov

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CPS Disability Data

Disability questions were added to the CPS in June 2008 and data have been published monthly since February 2009.

Disability data were added to the Employment Situation news release with the publication of January 2010 data.

These data are directly comparable with other employment data from the CPS, although seasonal adjustment is not yet possible.

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Employment Data by Disability Status

CPS disability data has answered some questions, while raising others.

Issues:

Unemployment rate (16.1 percent)

Labor force participation rate (21.1 percent)

Portion of population age 65 and over (45.5 percent)

(September 2011 data, not seasonally adjusted)

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September 2011 data, not seasonally adjusted.  

Persons without disabilities: unemployment rate (8.5 percent), the definition of unemployment is also a point of contention.

Labor force participation rate for persons with no disabilities (69.7 percent).

Portion of population age 65 and over for persons with no disabilities (12.9 percent).

Refers to the civilian, noninstitutional population. 

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CPS Supplements

Supplements follow the regular CPS questions and can draw upon the responses to the earlier questions.

Must be planned and funded years in advance.

ODEP has funded the development and plans to fund the supplement.

Questions are subject to a detailed testing and approval process.

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About the Questions

The questions are designed to focus upon the labor market challenges facing persons with a disability. 

Because the CPS is a labor force survey, the topics covered mainly focus on work-related issues.

The questions have been tested, but still need to be cleared by OMB, so at this point they are officially only DRAFT questions.

Some questions will be asked of everyone in the CPS while others will be asked only of those with a disability.

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Goals of the Supplement

Learn more about the low labor force participation rates for people with disabilities. (Questions 1-5, 19, 20)

Better understand the use and effectiveness of current programs designed to prepare people with disabilities for employment. (Questions 6, 7)

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Supplement Goals (continued)

Learn more about the work history of people with disabilities. (Questions 2, 3)

Identify the different types of barriers to employment people with disabilities experience. (Questions 4, 5)

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Supplement Goals (continued)

Determine the types of workplace accommodations that assist people with disabilities. (Questions 1, 8-18)

Measure the use of financial assistance programs among those with disabilities and whether these programs affect the likelihood of working. (Questions 19, 20)

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Supplement Questions

Previously, you mentioned that you had difficulty  --fill with difficulty--.  How has this affected  your ability to complete current work duties? Would you say this has caused no difficulty, a little difficulty, moderate difficulty, or severe difficulty? 

Have you ever worked for pay at a job or business?

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Supplement Questions

Earlier it was reported that you had difficulty --fill with difficulty--.  Did you ever leave a job because of reasons related to (this difficulty/these difficulties)? 

The purpose of this next question is to identify barriers to employment faced by persons with difficulties.  What would you say the main barrier to employment is for you?

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Supplement Questions

If this barrier could be removed, would you be able to work? 

The purpose of this next question is to find out if you have taken advantage of any of the following sources that help people prepare for work or advance on the job. In the past 5 years, have you received assistance from:

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Supplement Questions

Vocational Rehabilitation Centers

One Stop Career Centers

Ticket to Work Program

Assistive Technology Act Program

Center for Independent Living for Individuals with Disabilities

Client Assistance Program

Any other employment assistance program

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Supplement Questions

How helpful was (this source)? Would you say it was not at all helpful, a little helpful, somewhat helpful, or very helpful? 

Have you ever requested any change in your current workplace to help you do your job better?  For example, changes in work policies, equipment, or schedules.

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Supplement Questions

What change did you request?

Was the change granted?

How do you typically commute to work?

Do you do any work at home for your job or business?

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Supplement Questions

When you work at home, how many hours per week do you usually work at home as part of this job?

Are those hours worked at home usually considered paid work hours?

Do you have a formal arrangement with your employer to be paid for the work that you do at home, or were you just taking work home from the job?

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Supplement Questions

What is the main reason why you work at home?

Do you have flexible work hours that allow you to vary or make changes in the time you begin and end work?

Some people are in temporary jobs that last only for a limited time or until the completion of a project.  Is your job temporary?

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Supplement Questions

There are a variety of programs designed to provide financial assistance to people.  In the PAST YEAR did you receive assistance from any of the following programs?

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Supplement Questions

Workers Compensation

Social Security Disability Income

Supplemental Security Income

Veterans Disability compensation

Disability Insurance Payments

Other disability payments

Medicaid

Medicare

Other

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Supplement Questions

Some financial assistance programs include limitations on the amount of work you can do.  Did (this program/any of these programs) cause you to work less than you would otherwise?

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Terence M. McMenaminEconomistDivision of labor force Statisticswww.bls.gov/cps/202-691-5436mcmenamin.terence@bls.gov

Contact Information

www.bls.gov

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