2005 Disability Status Reports

New York

Table of Contents:

About the Center
Introduction
New Features, Changes, Cautions
Summary
Comparisons
Prevalence across States
Employment across States
Prevalence
Employment
Full-Time / Full-Year Employment
Annual Labor Earnings
Annual Household Income
Poverty Rate
Supplemental Security Income
Housing
Activity Limitation - Employment
Age Distribution
Race Distribution
Gender Distribution
Education Distribution
Glossary
Contact Us

About the Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Disability Demographics and Statistics

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 three organizations at Cornell University: the Employment and Disability Institute, the Department of Policy Analysis and Management, and the Institute for Policy Research in Washington, DC. In addition, expertise is drawn from the following collaborating institutions: American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), Center for an Accessible Society, InfoUse, Institute for Matching Person and Technology, Mathematica Policy Research, Inc., and The Urban Institute.

Funded by the U.S. Department of Education, National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research

The Annual Disability Status Reports

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 working-age (ages 21-64) population with disabilities. They contain information on the population size, prevalence, employment, earnings, poverty, household income, housing, and activity limitations of working-age people with disabilities, as well as the composition of this population by age, race, gender, and educational attainment. Comparisons are made to working-age people without disabilities and across types of disabilities. Additional statistics by state are available at www.DisabilityStatistics.org.

The Status Reports look at the working-age population because the employment gap between people with and without disabilities is a major focus of government programming and advocacy efforts. Furthermore, employment is a key factor in the social integration and economic self-sufficiency of working-age people with disabilities. Future Status Reports will address the school- and retirement-age populations and eventually expand to education and health-related issues.

The estimates in the 2005 Disability Status Reports are based on American Community Survey (ACS) data—a U.S. Census Bureau survey designed to replace the decennial census long form. In future years, we hope to add information derived from other data sources, such as the Current Population Survey (CPS) and National Health Interview Survey (NHIS). See the ACS User Guide on our web site, www.DisabilityStatistics.org, for additional disability-related information in the ACS. A Census Bureau report, www.census.gov/prod/2005pubs/p60-226.pdf, provides a broader discussion of the ACS.

The estimates in these reports are based on responses from a sample of the population and may differ from actual values because of sampling variability or other factors. As a result, apparent differences between the estimates for two or more groups may not be statistically significant.

New Features, Changes, Cautions

New Features

Tables: This year we have added several features to the Annual Disability Status Reports that will increase their usefulness. Each Status Report is now accompanied by a table that provides the statistics referenced in the text as well as additional information. This information includes the estimated population size that corresponds to each percentage (i.e., the numerator), thus eliminating the need to convert the percentage in a given category to numbers of people in that category. We also provide the estimated size of the population upon which the statistics are generated (i.e., the denominator of a percentage, or for medians, the population referenced). These tables also contain the sample sizes and standard errors associated with each estimate.

Glossary: Each Status Report continues to provide the definitions relevant to the statistics it contains. This year we have compiled all of these definitions, and the definitions associated with the new tables, into a single glossary.

Changes and Cautions

Single-Year Version: Last year, the Status Reports focused on whether a statistic increased or decreased from 2003 to 2004. This year, the Status Reports focus on only one year, 2005, and do not compare 2004 with 2005. The Status Reports are based on data from the American Community Survey (ACS), an annual Census Bureau survey. In 2005, the ACS moved out of its development phase and into full implementation. The sample design was changed to provide estimates for smaller locations (areas with populations of 65,000 individuals or more rather than areas with populations of 250,000 individuals or more). While both sample designs provide accurate national and state-level estimates, they are different, and these differences may have created a “seam” in the data between 2004 and 2005. As a result, we are not comparing 2004 with 2005. The Census Bureau itself is not producing multi-year profiles that compare years before and after this potential “seam.”

Caution: As a result of the possible “seam” referenced above, we suggest that you do not compare results of the 2004 Status Reports with the results of the 2005 Status Reports. Estimates may be derived from small samples; please refer to the tables on the back of each report for sample sizes and standard errors. Differences may not agree due to rounding.

Time-Trends Dropped: Last year, we provided Status Reports on time-trends in the prevalence of disability and the employment of people with disabilities from 2001-2004. Due to the potential “seam” referenced above, we are not providing trends this year.

Summary

This is a summary of the statistics that appear in the 2005 Disability Status Reports. The statistics indicate the social and economic status of working-age people (ages 21-64) with disabilities, using data from the 2005 American Community Survey (ACS). State-level Status Reports and more information about the ACS are available at www.DisabilityStatistics.org. Regrettably, comparisons to the 2004 Disability Status Reports are not advisable due to changes in the ACS program.

Prevalence: In 2005, the percentage of working age individuals reporting a disability was 11.4 percent in NY.

Employment: In 2005, the employment rate of working age people with disabilities was 35.7 percent in NY.

Full-Time/Full-Year Employment: In 2005, the percentage of working age people with disabilities working full-time/ full-year was 21.5 percent in NY.

Annual Labor Earnings: In 2005, the median annual labor earnings of working age people with disabilities working full-time/full-year was $32,000 in NY.

Annual Household Income: In 2005, the median annual household income of working age people with disabilities was $37,000 in NY.

Poverty: In 2005, the poverty rate of working age people with disabilities was 26.7 percent in NY.

Supplemental Security Income: In 2005, the percentage of working-age people with disabilities receiving SSI payments was 19.1 percent in NY.

Housing: In 2005, the percentage of people with disabilities living in owner occupied housing was 49.8 percent in NY.

Activity Limitation—Employment: In 2005, the percentage of working-age people with sensory, physical and/or mental disabilities that report an employment disability (difficulty working at a job or business) was 54.9 percent in NY.

Age Distribution: In 2005, 10.0 percent of working age people with disabilities were ages 21-29 in NY.

Race Distribution: In 2005, 33.6 percent of working age people with disabilities were non-white in NY.

Gender Distribution: In 2005, 53.0 percent of working age people with disabilities were women in NY.

Education Distribution: In 2005, 15.4 percent of working age people with disabilities had a Bachelor’s degree or more in NY.

Prevalence Across States: West Virginia had the highest prevalence of disability among its working-age population − 21.7 percent.

Employment Across States: North Dakota had the highest employment rate of working-age people with disabilities − 55.2 percent.

Note: Go to the Glossary for definitions of terms. Differences may not agree due to rounding.Source: Calculations by the Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Disability Demographics and Statistics (StatsRRTC) using the 2005 ACS Public Use Microdata Samples (PUMS).Contact: Ask questions via our technical assistance form at www.DisabilityStatistics.org.

Comparisons

This is a summary of the comparative statistics that appear in the individual 2005 Disability Status Reports. The statistics indicate the relative social and economic status of working-age people (ages 21-64) with and without disabilities, using data from the 2005 American Community Survey (ACS). State-level Status Reports and more information about the ACS are available at www.DisabilityStatistics.org. Regrettably, comparisons to the 2004 Disability Status Reports are not advisable due to changes in the ACS program.

Employment: In 2005, the gap between the employment rates of working-age people with and without disabilities was 40.9 percentage points in NY.

Full-Time/Full-Year Employment: In 2005, the difference in the percentage working full-time/full-year between working age people with and without disabilities was 33.6 percentage points in NY.

Annual Labor Earnings: In 2005, the difference in the median labor earnings between working age people with and without disabilities who worked full-time/full-year was $8,000 in NY.

Annual Household Income: In 2005, the difference in the median household income between working age people with and without disabilities was $31,000 in NY.

Poverty: In 2005, the difference in the poverty rate between working age people with and without disabilities was 17.3 percentage points in NY.

Housing: In 2005, the difference in the percentage living in owner occupied housing between working age people with and without disabilities was 9.8 percentage points in NY.

Employment Across States: In 2005, the largest gap between the employment rates of working-age people with and without disabilities was in West Virginia − 48.9 percentage points.

Note: Go to the Glossary for definitions of terms. Differences may not agree due to rounding.Source: Calculations by the Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Disability Demographics and Statistics (StatsRRTC) using the 2005 ACS Public Use Microdata Samples (PUMS).Contact: Ask questions via our technical assistance form at www.DisabilityStatistics.org.

Prevalence Across States

This summary addresses patterns across states in the percentage of working-age (ages 21-64) people with disabilities, using data from the 2005 American Community Survey (ACS). State-level Status Reports and more information about the ACS are available at www.DisabilityStatistics.org. Regrettably, comparisons to the 2004 Disability Status Reports are not advisable due to changes in the ACS program.

Source: Calculations by the Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Disability Demographics and Statistics (StatsRRTC) using the 2005 ACS Public Use Microdata Samples (PUMS).

Definition of Disability: The 2005 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? and (b) a condition that substantially limits one or more basic physical activities such as walking, climbing stairs, reaching, lifting, or carrying? (2) Because of a physical, mental, or emotional condition lasting 6 months or more, does this person have any difficulty in doing any of the following activities: (a) learning, remembering, or concentrating? and (b) dressing, bathing, or getting around inside the home? (3) Because of a physical, mental, or emotional condition lasting 6 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? (b) working at a job or business?

Note: Go to the Glossary for more definitions of terms.

Contact: Ask questions via our technical assistance form at www.DisabilityStatistics.org.

Employment Across States

This summary addresses patterns across states in the employment rate of working-age (ages 21-64) people with disabilities, using data from the 2005 American Community Survey (ACS). State-level Status Reports and more information about the ACS are available at www.DisabilityStatistics.org. Regrettably, comparisons to the 2004 Disability Status Reports are not advisable due to changes in the ACS program.

Source:Calculations by the Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Disability Demographics and Statistics (StatsRRTC) using the 2005 ACS Public Use Microdata Samples (PUMS).

Definition of 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. Note: Go to the Glossary for more definitions of terms.

Contact: Ask questions via our technical assistance form at www.DisabilityStatistics.org.

Prevalence

This Status Report addresses the prevalence of disability among working-age people (ages 21-64) in New York, using data from the 2005 American Community Survey (ACS). State-level Status Reports and more information about the ACS are available at www.DisabilityStatistics.org. Regrettably, comparisons to the 2004 Disability Status Reports are not advisable due to changes in the ACS program.

• In 2005, the percentage of working-age people with a disability (the prevalence rate) was 11.4 percent in NY.
• In other words, in 2005, 1,269,000 of the 11,119,000 working-age individuals in NY reported one or more disabilities.
• In 2005, in NY, among the six types of disabilities identified in the ACS, the highest prevalence rate was for people with “Physical disabilities,” 7.1 percent. The lowest prevalence rate was for “Self-Care disabilities,” 1.9 percent.

Definition of Disability:The 2005 ACS definition 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? and (b) a condition that substantially limits one or more basic physical activities such as walking, climbing stairs, reaching, lifting, or carrying? (2) Because of a physical, mental, or emotional condition lasting 6 months or more, does this person have any difficulty in doing any of the following activities: (a) learning, remembering, or concentrating? and (b) dressing, bathing, or getting around inside the home? (3) Because of a physical, mental, or emotional condition lasting 6 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? (b) working at a job or business?

Statistics Associated with the 2005 Status Report on Prevalence for New York

Prevalence of disability among working-age people (ages 21-64)

Employment

This Status Report addresses the employment rates of working-age people (ages 21-64) with disabilities in New York, using data from the 2005 American Community Survey (ACS). State-level Status Reports and more information about the ACS are available at www.DisabilityStatistics.org. Regrettably, comparisons to the 2004 Disability Status Reports are not advisable due to changes in the ACS program.

• In 2005, the employment rate of working-age people with disabilities was 35.7 in NY.
• In 2005, the employment rate of working-age people without disabilities was 76.6 in NY.
• In 2005, the gap between the employment rates of working-age people with and without disabilities was 40.9 percentage points in NY.
• In 2005, in NY, among the six types of disabilities identified in the ACS, the highest employment rate was for people with “Sensory disabilities,” 45.8 percent. The lowest employment rate was for people with “Self-Care disabilities,” 16.6 percent.

Definition of 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.

Statistics Associated with the 2005 Status Report on Employment for New York

Employment of working-age people (ages 21-64) by disability status

Full-Time/Full-Year Employment

This Status Report addresses the percentage of working-age people (ages 21-64) with disabilities working full-time/full-year in New York, using data from the 2005 American Community Survey (ACS). State-level Status Reports and more information about the ACS are available at www.DisabilityStatistics.org. Regrettably, comparisons to the 2004 Disability Status Reports are not advisable due to changes in the ACS program.

• In 2005, the percentage of working-age people with disabilities working full-time/full-year was 21.5 percent in NY.
• In 2005, the percentage of working-age people without disabilities working full-time/full-year was 55.1 percent in NY.
• In 2005, the difference in the percentage working full-time/full-year between working-age people with and without disabilities was 33.6 percentage points in NY.
• In 2005, in NY, among the six types of disabilities identified in the ACS, the highest full-time/full-year employment rate was for people with “Sensory disabilities,” 31.5 percent. The lowest full-time/full-year employment rate was for people with “Go Outside Home disabilities,” 8.3 percent.

Definition of 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.

Statistics Associated with the 2005 Status Report on Full-Time / Full-Year Employment for New York

Full-time/full-year employment ofworking-age people (ages 21-64) by disability status

Annual Labor Earnings†

This Status Report addresses the median annual labor earnings of working-age people (ages 21-64) with disabilities who work full-time/full-year in New York, using data from the 2005 American Community Survey (ACS). State-level Status Reports and more information about the ACS are available at www.DisabilityStatistics.org. Regrettably, comparisons to the 2004 Disability Status Reports are not advisable due to changes in the ACS program.

• In 2005, the median labor earnings of working-age people with disabilities who worked full-time/full-year was $32,000 in NY.
• In 2005, the median labor earnings of working-age people without disabilities who worked full-time/full-year was $40,000 in NY.
• In 2005, the difference in the median labor earnings between working-age people with and without disabilities who worked full-time/full-year was $8,000 in NY.
• In 2005, in NY, among the six types of disabilities identified in the ACS, the highest annual labor earnings was for people with “Sensory disabilities,”$35,000. The lowest annual labor earnings was for people with “Self-Care disabilities,” $26,900.

†Caution: Estimates may be derived from small samples; please refer to the table on the back of this report for sample sizes and standard errors. Differences may not agree due to rounding.

Definition of Earnings: Earnings are defined as wages, salary, commissions, bonuses, or tips from all jobs; not including self-employment income from own non-farm businesses or farm businesses.

Definition of 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.

Statistics Associated with the 2005 Status Report on Annual Labor Earnings for New York

Median annual labor earnings of working-age people (ages 21-64) who work full-time / full-year by disability status

Annual Household Income

This Status Report addresses the median annual household income of working-age people (ages 21-64) with disabilities in New York, using data from the 2005 American Community Survey (ACS). State-level Status Reports and more information about the ACS are available at www.DisabilityStatistics.org. Regrettably, comparisons to the 2004 Disability Status Reports are not advisable due to changes in the ACS program.

• In 2005, the median household income of working-age people with disabilities was $37,000 in NY.
• In 2005, the median household income of working-age people without disabilities was $68,000 in NY.
• In 2005, the difference in the median household income between working-age people with and without disabilities was $31,000 in NY.
• In 2005, in NY, among the six types of disabilities identified in the ACS, the highest median household income was for people with “Sensory disabilities,” $39,000. The lowest median household income was for people with “Self-Care disabilities,” $28,800.

Definition of Income: Income is defined as wages, salary, commissions, bonuses, or tips from all jobs; self-employment income from own non-farm businesses 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).

Statistics Associated with the 2005 Status Report on Annual Household Income for New York

Median annual household income of working-age people (ages 21-64) by disability status

Poverty Rate

This Status Report addresses the poverty rates of working-age people (ages 21-64) with disabilities in New York, using data from the 2005 American Community Survey (ACS). State-level Status Reports and more information about the ACS are available at www.DisabilityStatistics.org. Regrettably, comparisons to the 2004 Disability Status Reports are not advisable due to changes in the ACS program.

• In 2005, the poverty rate of working-age people with disabilities was 26.7 percent in NY.
• In 2005, the poverty rate of working-age people without disabilities was 9.4 percent in NY.
• In 2005, the difference in the poverty rate between working-age people with and without disabilities was 17.3 percentage points in NY.
• In 2005, in NY, among the six types of disabilities identified in the ACS, the highest poverty rate was for people with “Mental disabilities,” 34.0 percent. The lowest poverty rate was for people with “Sensory disabilities,” 25.4 percent.

Definition of 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 2004 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.

Statistics Associated with the 2005 Status Report on Poverty Rate for New York

Poverty Rates of working-age people (ages 21-64) by disability status

Supplemental Security Income

This Status Report addresses the percentage of working-age people (ages 21-64) with disabilities who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments in New York, using data from the 2005 American Community Survey (ACS). State-level Status Reports and more information about the ACS are available at www.DisabilityStatistics.org. Regrettably, comparisons to the 2004 Disability Status Reports are not advisable due to changes in the ACS program. Please note, these results will differ from official Social Security Administration reports for several reasons. For additional information, please email DisabilityStatistics@cornell.edu.

• In 2005, the percentage of working-age people with disabilities receiving Supplemental Security Income payments was 19.1 percent in NY.
• In 2005, the number of working-age people with disabilities receiving Supplemental Security Income payments was 242,000 in NY.
• In 2005, in NY, among the six types of disabilities identified in the ACS, the highest percentage that received SSI was people with “Go Outside Home disabilities,” 29.9 percent. The lowest percentage that received SSI was people with “Sensory disabilities,” 16.9 percent.

Definition of Receipt of SSI Payments: A person is defined as receiving SSI payments if he or she reports receiving SSI income in the 12 months prior to the survey.

Statistics Associated with the 2005 Status Report on Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for New York

Percentage of working-age people (ages 21-64) with disabilities who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments

Housing

This Status Report addresses the percentage of working-age people (ages 21-64) with disabilities living in owner occupied housing in New York, using data from the 2005 American Community Survey (ACS). State-level Status Reports and more information about the ACS are available at www.DisabilityStatistics.org. Regrettably, comparisons to the 2004 Disability Status Reports are not advisable due to changes in the ACS program.

• In 2005, the percentage of people with disabilities living in owner occupied housing was 49.8 percent in NY.
• In 2005, the percentage of working-age people without disabilities living in owner occupied housing was 59.6 percent in NY.
• In 2005, the difference in the percentage living in owner occupied housing between working-age people with and without disabilities was 9.8 percentage points in NY.
• In 2005, in NY, among the six types of disabilities identified in the ACS, the highest percentage living in owner occupied housing was people with “Sensory disabilities,” 50.0 percent. The lowest percentage living in owner occupied housing was people with “Mental disabilities,” 41.7 percent.

Definition of living in owner occupied housing: This information is derived from the following question: Is this house, apartment, or mobile home: a) Owned by you or someone in this household with a mortgage or loan? b) Owned by you or someone in this household free and clear (without a mortgage or loan)? c) Rented for cash rent? d) Occupied without payment of cash rent? If a or b then own, if c or d then not owned.

Statistics Associated with the 2005 Status Report on Housing for New York

Percentage of working-age people (ages 21-64) living in owner occupied housing by disability status

Activity Limitation - Employment

This Status Report addresses employment disability (difficulty working at a job or business) among working-age people (ages 21-64) with sensory, physical and/or mental disabilities in New York, using data from the 2005 American Community Survey (ACS). State-level Status Reports and more information about the ACS are available at www.DisabilityStatistics.org. Regrettably, comparisons to the 2004 Disability Status Reports are not advisable due to changes in the ACS program.

• In 2005, the percentage of working-age people with sensory, physical and/or mental disabilities that reported an employment disability (difficulty working at a job or business) was 54.9 percent in NY.
• In 2005, the percentage of working-age people with a sensory disability that reported an employment disability was 41.0 percent in NY.
• In 2005, the percentage of working-age people with a physical disability that reported an employment disability was 63.2 percent in NY.
• In 2005, the percentage of working-age people with a mental disability that reported an employment disability was 67.4 percent in NY.

Definition of Employment Disability: The 2005 ACS employment disability definition is based on one of the six disability-related items: because of a physical, mental, or emotional condition lasting 6 months or more, does this person have any difficulty in doing any of the following activities: (b) working at a job or business?

Statistics Associated with the 2005 Status Report on Activity Limitation - Employment for New York

Employment disability (difficulty working at a job or business) among working-age people (ages 21-64) with sensory, physical and/or mental disabilities

Age Distribution

This Status Report addresses the age distribution among working-age people (ages 21-64) with disabilities in New York, using data from the 2005 American Community Survey (ACS). State-level Status Reports and more information about the ACS are available at www.DisabilityStatistics.org. Regrettably, comparisons to the 2004 Disability Status Reports are not advisable due to changes in the ACS program.

In 2005, among people with disabilities in NY:

• 10.0 percent were ages 21-29
• 15.0 percent were ages 30-39
• 25.3 percent were ages 40-49
• 32.8 percent were ages 50-59
• 16.8 percent were ages 60-64

In comparison, in 2005, among people without disabilities in NY:

• 20.8 percent were ages 21-29
• 25.1 percent were ages 30-39
• 26.8 percent were ages 40-49
• 20.7 percent were ages 50-59
• 6.6 percent were ages 60-64

Definition of Age: The ACS question on age is as follows: “What is this person’s age and what is this person’s date of birth?”

Statistics Associated with the 2005 Status Report on Age Distribution for New York

Age distribution among working-age people (ages 21-64) with disabilities

Race Distribution

This Status Report addresses the race distribution among working-age people (ages 21-64) with disabilities in New York, using data from the 2005 American Community Survey (ACS). State-level Status Reports and more information about the ACS are available at www.DisabilityStatistics.org. Regrettably, comparisons to the 2004 Disability Status Reports are not advisable due to changes in the ACS program.

In 2005, among people with disabilities in NY:

• 66.4 percent were White
• 17.1 percent were Black/African American
• 0.7 percent were Native American
• 3.5 percent were Asian
• 12.3 percent were some other race

In comparison, in 2005, among people without disabilities in NY, the percentage

• 67.7 percent were White
• 14.3 percent were Black/African American
• 0.3 percent were Native American
• 7.8 percent were Asian
• 9.8 percent were some other race

Definition of Race: Our race categories are based on the question, “what 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.

Statistics Associated with the 2005 Status Report on Race Distribution for New York

Race distribution among working-age people (ages 21-64) by disability status

Gender Distribution

This Status Report addresses the gender distribution among working-age people (ages 21-64) with disabilities in New York, using data from the 2005 American Community Survey (ACS). State-level Status Reports and more information about the ACS are available at www.DisabilityStatistics.org. Regrettably, comparisons to the 2004 Disability Status Reports are not advisable due to changes in the ACS program.

In 2005, among people with disabilities in NY:

• 53.0 percent were women
• 47.0 percent were men

In comparison, in 2005, among people without disabilities in NY:

• 51.4 percent were women
• 48.6 percent were men

Definition of Gender: Gender is based on the question: “What is this person’s sex? Responses include male and female.

Statistics Associated with the 2005 Status Report on Gender Distribution for New York

Gender distribution among working-age people (ages 21-64) by disability status

Education Distribution

This Status Report addresses the education distribution among working-age people (ages 21-64) with disabilities in New York, using data from the 2005 American Community Survey (ACS). State-level Status Reports and more information about the ACS are available at www.DisabilityStatistics.org. Regrettably, comparisons to the 2004 Disability Status Reports are not advisable due to changes in the ACS program.

In 2005, among working-age people with disabilities in NY:

• 26.1 percent had less than a high school degree
• 33.7 percent had a high school diploma/equivalent
• 24.8 percent had some college
• 15.4 percent had a Bachelor’s degree or more

In comparison, in 2005, among working-age people without disabilities in NY:

• 11.2 percent had less than a high school degree
• 26.7 percent had a high school diploma/equivalent
• 26.8 percent had some college
• 35.3 percent had a Bachelor’s degree or more

Definition of 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, less than high school, includes those marking the ACS options: no schooling complete; nursery school to 4th grade; 5th grade or 6th grade; 7th grade or 8th grade; 9th grade; 10th grade; 11th grade; or “12th grade – NO DIPLOMA [emphasis is theirs].” 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, includes those marking the ACS options: some college credit, but less than 1 year; 1 or more years of college but no degree, or “Associate 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).”

Statistics Associated with the 2005 Status Report on Education Distribution for New York

Education distribution among working-age people (ages 21-64) by disability status

Glossary

Age: The ACS question on age is as follows: “What is this person’s age and what is this person’s date of birth?”

Base Population: 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 6 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 6 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? [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; not including self-employment income from own non-farm businesses or farm businesses.

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, less than high school, includes those marking the ACS options: no schooling complete; nursery school to 4th grade; 5th grade or 6th grade; 7th grade or 8th grade; 9th grade; 10th grade; 11th grade; or “12th grade — NO DIPLOMA[emphasis is theirs].” 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, includes those marking the ACS options: some college credit, but less than 1 year; 1 or more years of college but no degree, or “Associate 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.

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.

Gender: Gender is based on the question: “What is this person’s sex? Responses include male and female.

Income: Income is defined as wages, salary, commissions, bonuses, or tips from all jobs; self-employment income from own non-farm businesses, including proprietorships and partnerships; interest, dividends, net rental income, royalty income, or income from real estate or 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).

Living in Owner Occupied Housing: This information is derived from the following question: Is this house, apartment, or mobile home: a) Owned by you or something in this household with a mortgage or loan? b) Owned by you or someone in this household free and clear (without a mortgage or loan)? c) Rented for cash rent? d) Occupied without payment of cash rent? If a or b then own, if c or d then not owned.

Number: This term appears in the tables; it refers to estimated number of people in the category. (For percentages, this is the numerator.)

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 2004 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.

Receipt of SSI Payments: A person is defined as receiving SSI payments if he or she reports receiving SSI income in the 12 months prior to the survey.

Sample Size: The number of survey participants used to calculate the statistic.

Standard Error (SE): Data, such as data from the American Community Survey (ACS), is based on a sample and therefore statistics derived from this data are subject to sampling variability. The standard error (SE) represents the degree of sampling variability. In a random sample, the degree of sampling variation will be 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 standard error—the lower the sampling variability—the more “precise” the estimate is considered.

Value: This term appears in the tables; it refers to estimated percentage, number, or median.

Contact Us

For more information about the Annual Disability Status Reports contact:

• Andrew J. Houtenville, Director
• Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Disability Demographics and Statistics (StatsRRTC)
• Employment and Disability Institute
• 303 ILR Extension Building
• Cornell University
• Ithaca, New York 14853
• Phone: 607.255.5702
• Fax: 607.255.2763
• TTY: 607-255-2891
• Email: DisabilityStatistics@cornell.edu
• Web: www.DisabilityStatistics.org

This summary is being distributed by the Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Disability Demographics and Statistics (StatsRRTC) at Cornell University.

The StatsRRTC is funded to Cornell University 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)).

Suggested Citation

• Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Disability Demographics and Statistics. (2005). 2005 Disability Status Reports. Ithaca, NY: Cornell University.

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
• Andrew J. Houtenville: Senior Research Associate, Employment and Disability Institute, School of Industrial and Labor Relations, Extension Division, Cornell University
• David C. Stapleton: Director, Cornell University Institute for Policy Research