Nearly one in four people with disabilities now participate in the labour force in the United States, reaching a historic high and offering employers a solution to ongoing worker shortages, according to a new study released Wednesday by SHRM.
The research found 25 per cent of people with disabilities were in the civilian labour force as of July 2025, marking the highest rate on record. The number of workers with disabilities has surged more than 30 per cent since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the data brief titled “Labor Force Snapshot: People with Disabilities in the U.S. Labor Force.”
The study points to remote and flexible work arrangements as a key factor in lowering traditional employment barriers. Workers with disabilities are more likely to work fully remote schedules compared to their counterparts without disabilities, according to the research.
Young workers show strongest growth
Labour force participation among people with disabilities aged 16 to 24 has grown nearly 60 per cent since February 2020. Workers with disabilities now make up 4.8 per cent of the total employed population, with representation expanding rapidly among younger demographics.
“The remarkable increase in workforce participation among people with disabilities is a testament to what’s possible when organizations commit to inclusion and flexibility,” said Wendi Safstrom, president of the SHRM Foundation. “By expanding access and opportunity—especially through remote and flexible work—employers can tap into a diverse talent pool that fuels growth, resilience, and innovation.”
Representation varies by occupation
The share of workers with disabilities ranges from 3.1 per cent in life, physical, social science and health care practitioner roles to 6.5 per cent in building, grounds cleaning and maintenance positions. Workers with disabilities have higher representation in occupations with lower barriers to entry, such as reduced educational or training requirements, according to the study.
Despite the gains, people with disabilities still face higher unemployment rates and lower educational attainment compared to those without disabilities.
Implications for HR strategy
The study covers trends in labour force participation, employment and occupational distribution among people with disabilities. SHRM released the research to help HR professionals develop strategies for recruiting, retaining and advancing workers with disabilities.
The findings suggest inclusive hiring practices and flexible work models can help businesses address workforce challenges while creating more diverse workplaces, according to the organization.
SHRM is a professional association with nearly 340,000 members in 180 countries focused on workplace issues and human resources.
