Artificial intelligence could help people with disabilities overcome workplace barriers, improve productivity and access new career opportunities, but without accessible design and safeguards, the same technologies could reinforce discrimination in hiring and limit career advancement, according to Cornell’s Center for Applied Research on Work.
The employment gap remains substantial. In 2025, just 22.8% of people with disabilities were employed, compared with 65.2% of people without disabilities.
Automated Hiring Can Disadvantage Applicants
AI screening tools and timed assessments can exclude applicants with disabilities when systems fail to account for their needs. The Americans with Disabilities Act requires employers to ensure hiring technologies do not discriminate against people with disabilities.
Employers can reduce these risks by testing systems for bias and providing reasonable accommodations during hiring.
Workforce Programs Need To Build AI Skills
Vocational rehabilitation agencies, American Job Centers and other workforce programs can help people with disabilities prepare for AI-driven hiring and workplace changes.
These organizations can also use AI to improve services, but limited training and restrictive policies could prevent them from doing so. Partnerships among employers, workforce agencies and educators could help expand AI training and identify accessibility barriers.
AI Can Support Everyday Work Tasks
AI tools can assist with communication, organization, time management and information processing. They can also convert information into plain language and accessible formats.
A Microsoft study of more than 300 employees with disabilities who used Copilot found that the tool helped address barriers involving communication, memory and focus. However, people without access to AI tools or training could miss out as employers integrate the technology into daily work.
Policymakers Face Pressure To Address AI Bias
Policymakers can support accessible AI through regulations, funding, research and workforce training. Public-private partnerships could bring employers, developers and government agencies together to improve accessibility and reduce discrimination.
AI’s impact on disability employment will depend on whether people with disabilities can access the technology and participate fairly in AI-driven hiring.
