As unemployment hit a seven month high in November, people with disabilities continued to face tougher job prospects that most, Labor Department statistics released Friday indicate.

Unemployment hovered at 14.5 percent for Americans with disabilities in November, little changed from the 14.8 percent rate the previous month.

Meanwhile, the economy as whole added just 39,000 jobs — fewer than expected — and the unemployment rate rose among the general population to 9.8 percent.

The Department of Labor began tracking employment among people with disabilities in October 2008 when the unemployment rate stood at 11.1 percent. Since then, unemployment among this group has remained above that level consistently, reaching a record high of 16.9 percent in August 2009.

There is not yet enough data compiled to establish seasonal trends among Americans with disabilities, so numbers specific to this group are not seasonally adjusted.

Employment statistics on people with disabilities cover those over the age of 16 who do not live in institutions. The first employment report specific to this population was made available in February 2009. Now, reports are released monthly.

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