Out of the labor force due to health reasons? An analysis of the Survey of Income and Program Participation regarding persons with visual impairments

Abstract

Persons with visual impairments (VI) have a high nonparticipation rate in the labor force. Information about factors influencing their labor force participation could provide insight into how to increase employment rates. We selected persons with VI from the Survey of Income and Program Participation to investigate factors that differentiate persons out of the labor force (OLF) for chronic health or disability reasons from those employed and those OLF due to other reasons. Persons with VI and OLF for chronic health or disability reasons were more likely to have additional disabilities; have physical, mental, or other health limitations to work; and receive Supplemental Security Income or Social Security Disability Insurance. Compared with those employed, people with VI and OLF for chronic health or disability reasons appear to have multiple characteristics indicating poorer health, lower education attainment, and greater financial insecurity. Compared with those OLF due to other reasons, people with VI and OLF for chronic health or disability reasons were less likely to be female but more likely to receive food assistance and to indicate disadvantaged health status. These results suggest that skills to accommodate vision disability or health conditions are essential to employment or further education, and additional education may expand vocational options. Benefits counseling, encouragement, and careful career planning may assist persons with VI in moving toward financial independence.

Beyond Employment Rates: Summary of Findings and Conclusions From the Series

“…The gap in employment rates can be attributed largely to a lack of labor force participation—a much larger proportion of the visually impaired population is not working or looking for work. New research suggests that receipt of SSDI, health problems, and other disabilities explain a part of this disparity (Crudden & McKnight, 2022; Crudden et al, 2022). To improve employment rates for people with visual impairments, we must encourage and support those who are not in the labor force to consider employment.…”