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There has been a historic rise in labor force participation among Americans with disabilities, according to new analysis from SHRM.
Participation has climbed by more than 30% since early 2020. As of July 2025, nearly one in four individuals with disabilities is active in the labor market — a record-setting level.
The increase has been linked to the widespread adoption of remote and flexible work, which has opened doors for job seekers who previously faced accessibility and transportation barriers.Â
Data shows that employees with disabilities are more likely to work entirely remotely than those without disabilities, underscoring how flexible arrangements can expand economic inclusion.
The SHRM study also found that workers with disabilities now make up about 4.8% of the total employed population, with particularly strong gains among younger workers. Participation among individuals aged 16 to 24 has grown by almost 60% since February 2020, signaling a generational shift toward greater workforce inclusion.
Representation varies across sectors: employment rates are lowest in science, health care, and technical professions (around 3.1%) and highest in fields such as building maintenance and groundskeeping (6.5%). These trends reflect differing entry barriers across industries, including training requirements and educational attainment.
Despite the overall progress, the report notes that workers with disabilities still experience higher unemployment and lower education levels compared to their peers. SHRM emphasizes that continued progress will depend on employers adopting inclusive hiring practices, developing accessible workplaces, and sustaining flexible work policies.
