Abstract
This paper focuses on the labor force participation and earnings of the working age disabled in the United States, as they vary by gender, age, and minority status. Expenditure on public and private sector programs targeted to persons with disabilities exceed $100 billion for approximately 8m individuals. Program objectives are to increase employment opportunities among the disabled as well as, provide public assistance through various welfare provisions. This paper argues public policies and public expenditures have favored assistance and short run equity concerns relative to rehabilitation and vocational training, thus providing work disincentives to people with disabilities and undermining their long-term welfare.