Disabled Americans drive gangbusters job growth

Americans with disabilities have punched above their weight in rebuilding the workforce post-pandemic, accounting for nearly a third of labor force growth despite being just 12% of adults, Bloomberg reports. Disabled participation hit record highs in 2022 and remains near those peaks.

Remote work has lowered barriers to employment for many. But other factors like long Covid, disability benefit changes, and therapy advances have also helped boost involvement. With millions of openings persisting, the tight labor market further incentivizes hiring those historically sidelined.

There's still vast room for progress. If US disability employment gaps narrowed to Canadian levels, the workforce could swell by 8.5 million. The pandemic opened doors for disabled workers, but creative recruiting and accommodations are key to ensuring those doors stay open. Their outsized contributions prove this diverse talent pool is an essential asset.