The unemployment rate for Americans with disabilities dipped somewhat in September, but the change was due in part to fewer people seeking work, the Labor Department reported Friday.

Among those with disabilities, the unemployment rate fell to 14.8 percent in September, down from 15.6 percent in August. While more people were employed, this figure also takes into account the fact that the number of people with disabilities who were in the labor force also declined.

Meanwhile, the economy as a whole shed 95,000 jobs in September, delivering a setback to hopes that the country is recovering from the recession. Accordingly, unemployment among the rest of the population remained largely steady at 9 percent in September.

One bright spot: unemployment among those with disabilities remains lower than this time last year when the rate rested at 16.2 percent.

The Department of Labor began tracking employment among people with disabilities in October 2008. There is not yet enough data compiled to establish seasonal trends within this group, so numbers 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.

Read more stories like this one. Sign up for Disability Scoop's free email newsletter to get the latest developmental disability news sent straight to your inbox.