Social capital, employment and labor force participation among persons with disabilities

BACKGROUND: Social capital, an attribute that reflects connectedness or engagement with other individuals, organizations or communities, may be associated with participation in the labor force and with employment. OBJECTIVE: To examine variations in social capital among persons with disabilities. METHODS: Data from the 2010 Civic Engagement Supplement to the Current Population Survey is used to describe levels of social capital among persons with disabilities by employment and labor force participation status, controlling for demographic characteristics. RESULTS: Adults with disabilities who are in the labor force have higher levels of social capital than adults with disabilities who are not in the labor force. Among those persons with disabilities who are in the labor force, however, little difference in social capital exists between those who are and who are not employed. CONCLUSION: Advocates, policymakers and service providers seeking to maximize the successful inclusion of persons with disabilities within society must not lose sight of social capital as a construct as equally important as built, human, and economic capital. Innovative programs and services that are offered throughout the lifespan should incorporate strategies to address each of these types of resources.