The number of unemployed people with disabilities grew in May, following a two month decline, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

In May, the unemployment rate among people with disabilities reached 13.7 percent compared with 12.9 percent in April. Meanwhile, unemployment grew for the rest of the population as well, up to 8.9 percent from 8.4 percent. These numbers are not seasonally adjusted.

While unemployment dropped for people with disabilities in March and April, the numbers didn’t tell the whole story. The decline was largely due to fewer people being in the workforce, not an increase in the number of people employed. In May, however, the size of the workforce remained steady with the previous month.

The Department of Labor began tracking employment for people with disabilities in October 2008. The data covers people with disabilities over the age of 16 who do not live in institutions. The first employment report specific to this population was made available in February. Now, reports are released monthly.

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Previous stories on this topic:

April Show Gains In Employment With A Caveat (May 8, 2009)

Fewer People With Disabilities Unemployed In March, But Gains Don’t Tell Whole Story (April 3, 2009)

Job Numbers Grim For People With Disabilities Too (March 6, 2009)

Scoop Essentials: Beating The Employment Odds (February 16, 2009)

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