Download Fact Sheet: The Role of Accommodations in Helping People with Disabilities Remain in Their Jobs (PDF)
Lead: Dr. Jody Schimmel Hyde, MathematicaResearch Strand: Job Quality & Retention
What are we Studying?
This study examines how workplace accommodations help people with disabilities remain employed, focusing on two groups at high risk of work interruption: older workers with disabilities and SSI/SSDI beneficiaries working above the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) level.
Why are we Studying this Issue?
Workplace accommodations can enable people with disabilities to stay employed and reduce reliance on public benefits, but workers often report unmet accommodation needs. Limited evidence exists about which workers receive accommodations, what types they use, and whether accommodations support long-term employment retention. Understanding these patterns is critical given the high public expenditures associated with labor force nonparticipation among these groups.
How will we Study this Issue?
We will analyze nationally representative data from approximately 6,000 older workers (ages 51+) surveyed in 2022 and 2024 and 7,600 SSI/SSDI beneficiaries working above SGA surveyed in 2017 and 2019. We will examine accommodation use and unmet needs by worker characteristics, disability types, and job characteristics. We will assess whether receiving accommodations increases the likelihood of remaining employed and analyze differences across demographic groups, occupations, and impairment types.
How will this Study Impact Disability Employment Policy?
This study will provide comprehensive evidence on how accommodations support job retention for older workers and SSI/SSDI beneficiaries, helping policymakers develop effective policies addressing workplace accommodations, workforce participation, and disability benefit programs.