The aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and the combination of advancing technology have brought about a major shift in the workplace. Between February 2020 and August 2023, the number of employed Americans with disabilities soared by 33% or 1.9 million. By comparison, the number of employed Americans without disabilities rose by only 1%, or 1.5 million. In other words, workers with disabilities account for 57% of the increase in employment since the beginning of the pandemic.
Today, the Progressive Policy Institute (PPI) released a new report “Disability and Changes in the Workplace,” analyzing available data and discussing how the changing environments from the pandemic allowed workers with disabilities to find job opportunities that are a good match for their needs.
Report author Dr. Michael Mandel, Vice President and Chief Economist of PPI, describes how the rapid adaptation of businesses to “work from home” during the pandemic allowed workers with disabilities to operate from a more congenial or accommodating environment. At the same time, advancing technology has also lowered the barriers for Americans to access forms of independent, flexible work, like gig-economy delivery and ride-sharing platforms, that can be better suited to workers with unpredictable challenges such as those related to fatigue, chronic pain, or mental health issues.
“The United States is experiencing a major change in the workplace — leading to increased opportunities and careers for Americans with disabilities,” said Dr. Michael Mandel. “Policymakers and employers alike have an important role to play to ensure that work can remain flexible and accessible for all Americans, and continue to find novel ways to approach working.”
Read and download the full report here and read more about how remote work has fueled the surge in jobs for workers with disabilities in The Messenger.
The Progressive Policy Institute (PPI) is a catalyst for policy innovation and political reform based in Washington, D.C. Its mission is to create radically pragmatic ideas for moving America beyond ideological and partisan deadlock. Learn more about PPI by visiting progressivepolicy.org. Find an expert at PPI and follow us on Twitter.
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Media Contact: Amelia Fox – afox@ppionline.org
