Overview
Researchers at the Yang-Tan Institute on Employment and Disability (YTI) have spent decades examining disability statistics. Working with the institute’s web team, they have created an interactive website aimed at policymakers, public administrators and others interested in accurate information about people with disabilities and employment. Based on data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey, this site offers downloadable state-based reports, such as “2024 Disability Status Report New York,” and the ability to view and download maps, charts and tabular data at national, state, local and hyperlocal levels.
Disability Statistics for New York State in 2024:
- Employment: The employment rate of working-age people (ages 21-64) with disabilities was 42.5%.
- Looking for work: The percentage of unemployed people with disabilities actively looking for work was 8.4%.
- Full-time/full-year employment: The percentage of working-age people with disabilities working full-time/full-year was 27.7%.
- Annual earnings: The median annual earnings of working-age people with disabilities working full-time/full-year was $58,000.
- Annual household income: The median annual income of households with working-age people with disabilities was $65,000.
- Poverty: The poverty rate of working-age people with disabilities was 29.9%.
Prevalence of disability among non-institutionalized people of all ages in New York in 2024*
Prevalence Rates: All Ages (%)
* Note: Children under the age of five were only asked about vision and hearing disabilities. The independent living disability question was only asked of persons aged 16 years old and older
Research Impact
In addition to offering information on the user-friendly Disability Statistics website, researchers at YTI provide technical assistance to a variety of policymakers across New York state. By assisting with access and interpreting large datasets related to New Yorkers with disabilities and employment, YTI experts help policymakers understand the impact of policies and practices and create policies that align with New York’s Employment First agenda.
AUTHORS:
Sarah von Schrader, Yang-Tan Institute director of research and program evaluation; William Erickson, Yang-Tan Institute senior research specialist
CONTACTS:
Susanne Bruyère
Academic Director
smb23@cornell.edu
Wendy Strobel Gower
Thomas P. Golden Executive Director
ws283@cornell.edu
The Yang-Tan Institute on Employment and Disability works to advance the inclusion and full participation of people with disabilities in the workplace and community. Our research, training and technical resources expand knowledge about disability inclusion, leading to positive change.