Disability statistics can be a powerful tool to increase our collective understanding of the barriers faced by the disability population in the workforce. Piecing together data is like connecting the pieces of a jigsaw puzzle in allowing one to eventually see a more complete picture. These six statistical resource links are provided to help you gain insights on current and historical labor force participation at the national, state, and county level.

Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS, within the U.S. Department of Labor, publishes a monthly jobs report that includes the employment status of the civilian population by sex, age, and disability status. This link allows users to make Insightful comparisons between population segments of persons with a disability versus persons without a disability.

Annual Disability Statistics Compendium: The Compendium is a web-based tool that pools disability statistics published by various federal agencies together in one place. The 2017 Disability Statistics Annual Report contained within this link has a well-developed concise overview for busy professionals addressing the following type of questions:

• How many people with disabilities live in the United States?
• What is the percentage of people with disabilities in different age groups?
• What is the percentage of people with disabilities for different types of disability?
• To what extent are people with disabilities employed?
• What are the earnings for people with and without disabilities?

Cornell University Online Resource on U.S. Disability Statistics: This link allows users to track down disability statistics, download both national and state disability population status reports, and access research tools. The website also includes useful frequently asked questions to consider when using disability statistics.

Disability - U.S. Census Bureau: The Disability Section of the U.S. Census Bureau website highlights disability data through postings of publications, visual charts, and working papers.

University of Montana Research and Training Center on Disability in Rural Communities: This link allows users to access data about disability in rural areas and communities across the country. Users can download disability data for every county across the U.S and Puerto Rico. Note: This data is based on the period between 2011-2015.

Drive Disability Employment Website: Drive allows users to find specific state data disability information on labor force participation. Simply click on a state to view that state’s full profile, including all data points, vocational rehabilitation profile, and relevant state initiatives.