A Comparative Analysis of Self-Identification and Functional Measures of Disability

• In Event: New Trends in Disability, Work, and Federal Disability Programs

Abstract

Disability is typically measured in surveys using functional limitation questions rather than asking respondents to self-identify as having a disability. Little is known about the characteristics of those who self-identify with a disability and how they compare with those identified via functional limitation questions. Using nationally representative survey data collected in 2023, we compare and assess the extent of overlap between the populations captured by a self-identification disability question with populations captured by the Washington Group Short Set on Functioning (WG-SS) and the American Community Survey Six (ACS-6) Questions. Adding a self-identification question doubles the population with disabilities relative to WG-SS alone and increases the population by 30% relative to ACS-6 alone. The group identified by both the self-identification and either functioning question set are in the worst health and have the highest rates of disability program participation. Including a self-identification question in addition to functioning questions expands the prevalence of disability to varying degrees depending on which functional questions are used, but use of functioning and self-identification questions together could enhance identification of the subgroup with highest needs.

Author

• Stephanie Rennane, RAND Corporation
  Presenting Author