Over 500,000 working-age American Indian or Alaska Native adults in the United States have at least one disability. Researchers at the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy recently analyzed workforce data on Native representation in various industries and occupations. The calculations were made using the Current Population Survey 2021 annual averages and include civilian, non-institutionalized American Indian or Alaska Native adults ages 16-64.
Over 250,000 Native people have a single disability type and 232,000 have multiple disabilities. Of those with single disabilities, 79,000 have a cognitive difficulty, 104,000 have an ambulatory difficulty, 47,000 have difficulty with hearing, 31,000 have difficulty with vision, and 18,000 have difficulty with errands or self-care.
American Indian or Alaska Native people with disabilities are present in all stages of working life, with the highest numbers among those over the age of 55. According to the survey, approximately 237,000 Native adults with disabilities are currently working or want to work. Approximately 139,000 are working full-time and 49,000 part-time. Additionally, 22,000 are currently looking for work and 27,000 are currently not seeking work but want a job.
The authors calculated that 166,000 disabled Native workers hold wage and salary jobs in the public, for-profit or non-profit sectors, while 22,000 are self-employed. Native adults with disabilities work in a range of industries, with the largest numbers in education and healthcare. They also hold a variety of occupations, including managerial positions, medical professions, retail, production and teaching.
The report shows that there are 42,000 Native workers with disabilities working in education and healthcare; 30,000 in professional and business services; 23,000 in leisure and hospitality; 21,000 in trade; 17,000 in manufacturing; 12,000 in construction; 10,000 in transportation and utilities; 10,000 in other services; 9,000 in public administration and 8,000 in finance. An additional 3,000 work in agriculture and 1,000 work in information.
At the National Indian Council on Aging, we help elders find work, develop new skills and talents, and build their financial security by taking advantage of the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP). SCSEP is an on-the-job training and employment program designed to help those age 55 and older update their jobs skills, build work experience and confidence, and continue to have economic security and well-being. Click here to learn more about the program, read SCSEP success stories, or to fill out an application.
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