Research

Economic impact study on employing people with disabilities

In a first-of-its-kind study that surveyed multiple employers and employees with disabilities, DePaul University researchers found employees with disabilities from the healthcare, retail and hospitality sectors in the region were just as dependable and productive as employees without disabilities. In addition, researchers also discussed research results that showed accommodation costs associated with workers with disabilities were often minimal and well worth the expense.

This study was commissioned by the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce's disabilityworks initiative, and made possible through a grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. A subsequent financial contribution was made by the Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities.

See press release for more information.

disabilityworks DePaul Study results are available in the following formats:

Executive Summary: Microsoft Word Document or PDF File
Comprehensive Results: Microsoft Word Document or PDF File
Slide Presentation: Microsoft PowerPoint

Employer Focus Group Reports by Sector

Other Research Statistics

Bureau of Labor Statistics http://www.bls.gov/
Disability.Gov http://www.disability.gov/
Illinois Numbers of People with Disabilities receiving SSI and SSDI
Search by state for how many people are receiving federal social security benefits due to a disability (SSI and SSDI). This list excludes anyone under age 16 and anyone over 65. Data is current, broken down by county and click each county to break the data further down by zip code. You can even search by specific disability categories.
Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Disability Statistics http://www.disabilitycompendium.org/
US Census Bureau http://www.census.gov/

2005 American Community Survey