Using Sensory, Functional, and Activity Limitation Data to Estimate Employment Outcomes for Working-Age Persons with Disabilities in the United States

Using data from the 2010–2012 American Community Survey (ACS), we estimate employment outcomes among persons with different combinations of sensory, functional, and activity limitations while controlling for individual characteristics. We consider activity limitations as indicators of barriers to independent living and of a need for support services. We find that the presence of an activity limitation is strongly associated with decreased odds of employment for persons with sensory or functional limitations. Results provide support for the targeted allocation of resources to increase independent living among persons with disabilities as a means to improve employment outcomes among persons with disabilities.