I found out only 1 in 5 people with disabilities in the US has a full-time job, and it changed how I see 'inclusion'

Mila Park · 2026-09-22T19:50:05.117242+00:00

I was reading a report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics last month and the number hit me like a brick. In 2023, just 22.5% of people with a disability were employed, compared to 65.8% of people without one. That gap is huge, and it made me think about how often companies pat themselves on the back for hiring one or two disabled folks and calling it a day. I have a cousin with cerebral palsy who has been trying to get a job in web design for over 3 years, and she keeps getting told she's 'an inspiration' but never gets an offer. The report also showed that disabled people are more likely to work part-time or be self-employed, which often means no benefits. I used to think the main problem was just physical access, but now I see it's way more about hiring managers and their assumptions. Why do you think the employment gap is still so wide even with all the talk about diversity and inclusion?

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I found out only 1 in 5 people with disabilities in the US has a full-time job, and it changed how I see 'inclusion' | Disability Advocacy - Guest Forum