Help Wanted
People with Disabilities “Need Apply”
Jim Brett
Summary: People with disabilities remain significantly underrepresented in the workforce despite the benefits of inclusive hiring. This article looks at persistent employment gaps, the barriers that contribute to them, and the role employers can play in creating more accessible, equitable workplaces.
As part of the workforce, people with disabilities make significant contributions to the U.S. economy. Like all workers and consumers, they add to economic growth. Employers also benefit as a diverse workforce brings a variety of skills and perspectives into the business, supporting innovation.
Expanding opportunities in the workforce for people with disabilities is a win-win scenario.
Still, a significant gap persists between employment participation by people with disabilities compared with those without disabilities. In 2025, 22.8% of people with a disability were employed, compared with 65.2% of people without a disability, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). (see endnote one)
National Disability Employment Awareness Month
Each October, we recognize National Disability Employment Awareness Month. This year’s theme “Celebrating Value and Talent” will carry last year’s celebration through 2026 to the celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, the Department of Labor announced. US Department of Labor announces 2026 National Disability Employment Awareness Month theme | U.S. Department of Labor
Building awareness is an opportunity to identify what’s working and expand access to quality jobs for people with disabilities. To make improvements, taking a look at the state of the workforce is a good place to start.
Here are some highlights from the 2025 BLS analysis
• Across all age groups, people with a disability were much less likely to be employed than those with no disability.
• The unemployment rate for people with disabilities increased by 0.8 percentage points to 8.3% in 2025, while the rate for people without a disability increased by 0.3 percentage points to 4.1%.
The long-standing employment gap has declined in recent years, but the gap persists. Researchers have found people with disabilities may face discrimination and barriers to employment, such as lack of education or training, the need for workplace accommodations, and lack of transportation. Indeed, there is still work to do.
Massachusetts reports similar stats
The Institute for Community Inclusion (ICI) at UMass Boston found in its study of 2023 data (most recent available), that people with IDD experience greater levels of unemployment, underemployment, low wages and poverty compared to those without disabilities. (see endnote two)
The study demonstrated a correlation between employment and poverty level. The report stated, “People with any type of disability are less likely to work (45.4%) compared to people with no disability (77%). People who have a cognitive disability are the least likely to work (39.5%). This has a direct impact on whether a person with a disability lives in poverty. Among working-age individuals, people with any disability (24.1%) and people with a cognitive disability (27.4%) are more likely to live in a household that is below the poverty line than people with no disability (10.1%).”
Conclusion
Workforce participation rates for people with disabilities remain far below those of the general workforce. This underscores the need for policy solutions and inclusive hiring practices. We need to strengthen policies and programs that are working.
The DOL’s Office of Disability and Employment Policy (ODEP) has a range of resources for people with disabilities from preparing for a job to retiring, and financial planning resources.
Employers can find help as well. Here are a few areas where employers can expand recruitment and hiring.
Apprenticeship programs can help employers access a wider talent pool.
The Employer Assistance and Research Network on Disability helps employers with their efforts to recruit, hire, retain and help people with disabilities advance in the workplace.
The Job Accommodation Network provides important information and access to more than 700 accommodation scenarios that serve as examples on how to implement these changes.
ICI is also focused on employment, by offering direct services, research, training, and policy advocacy Institute for Community Inclusion+1.
Lastly, agencies, policymakers, advocates and other stakeholders can intensify communications and do even more to spread the word about key programs. If we use the solutions and programs that exist, and collaborate on new strategies, we can make a difference, mitigate some of the obstacles to employment, and help more people with disabilities achieve financial security and the satisfaction that comes from having a quality job.
About the Author
Jim Brett is the president and CEO of The New England Council, a regional business organization. He is the former chair of the President’s Committee on People with Intellectual Disabilities and the former vice-chair of the National Council on Disability. Jim is the chair of the Massachusetts Governor’s Commission on Intellectual Disability, and also the chair of the Commission for the Protection of Persons with Disabilities. Jim’s late brother Jack was the inspiration for Jim’s work as an advocate for people with disabilities.