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Worker Functional Abilities, Occupational Requirements, and Job Accommodations: A Close Look at Three Occupations

Author

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  • Megan Henly

    (University of New Hampshire, Institute on Disability)

  • Debra L. Brucker

    (University of New Hampshire, Institute on Disability)

  • Andrew J. Houtenville

    (University of New Hampshire, Institute on Disability)

Abstract

This report examines the occupational requirements, physical and mental functioning, and use of accommodations among workers in three key occupations: cashiers, receptionists, and those in nursing fields. These jobs are among the top occupations represented in the work histories of federal disability claimants in the United States (U.S.). We collected survey data from 802 people working in these occupations. The survey collected demographic information, work-related characteristics (including the use of workplace accommodations), and functional assessment information using the self-reported functional assessment using the Work Disability Functional Assessment Battery (WD-FAB). The WD-FAB generates eight scores per respondent, one for each of eight dimensions related to physical function (basic mobility, fine motor function, upper body function, and community mobility) and mental function (resilience and sociability, mood and emotions, self-regulation, and cognition and communication). Results indicated that accommodation use is associated with lower functioning in this population of employed or recently employed adults. In addition, for each occupation, we compared the WD-FAB scores to data from the Occupational Requirements Survey (ORS) using measures that align with these WD-FAB domains. This comparison demonstrates the extent to which functioning in these dimensions is necessary and suggests opportunities for task-specific, occupation-specific accommodations. We discuss implications for disability determination according to SSA guidelines.

Suggested Citation

  • Megan Henly & Debra L. Brucker & Andrew J. Houtenville, 2021. "Worker Functional Abilities, Occupational Requirements, and Job Accommodations: A Close Look at Three Occupations," Working Papers wp430, University of Michigan, Michigan Retirement Research Center.
    • Handle: RePEc:mrr:papers:wp430
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Hill, Matthew J. & Maestas, Nicole & Mullen, Kathleen J., 2016. "Employer accommodation and labor supply of disabled workers," Labour Economics, Elsevier, vol. 41(C), pages 291-303.
    2. Priyanka Anand & Purvi Sevak, 2017. "The role of workplace accommodations in the employment of people with disabilities," IZA Journal of Labor Policy, Springer;Forschungsinstitut zur Zukunft der Arbeit GmbH (IZA), vol. 6(1), pages 1-20, December.
    3. repec:aei:rpbook:24945 is not listed on IDEAS
    4. Nicole Maestas & Kathleen J. Mullen & Stephanie Rennane, 2019. "Unmet Need for Workplace Accommodation," Journal of Policy Analysis and Management, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 38(4), pages 1004-1027, September.
    5. Richard Burkhauser & Mary C. Daly, 2011. "The Declining Work and Welfare of People with Disabilities," Books, American Enterprise Institute, number 7631, September.
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