Having a disability isn’t what keeps most people from working.

Here’s what’s stopping them and what we can do about it. In 2026, the unemployment rate for people with disabilities is 8.3%, which is more than double the 4.1% rate for people without disabilities. The problem: Employers may have a negative attitude about or stereotype people with disabilities, which can lead to discriminatory practices during the hiring process and in the workplace. The solution: Provide disability-inclusion training and inclusive hiring practices that focus on ability over assumption. The problem: Accessibility issues, including a lack of ramps, inaccessible bathrooms, missing assistive technology, and websites that aren't compliant with accessibility guidelines, can prevent people with disabilities from safely and effectively doing their jobs. The solution: Listen to employees with disabilities and provide any workplace equipment, flexible schedule, and accessible software they need to complete their work. The problem: Some people with disabilities are unable to make it to work in-person because of transportation issues, like not being able to walk or drive. The solution: Advocate for and provide accessible transportation or remote/hybrid work. Accessible transportation includes paratransit and employer shuttles. Make transportation-planning support easily available. The problem: Many people with disabilities avoid or leave jobs out of concern over losing their disability benefits. The solution: Provide benefits counseling that lets people test employment without immediately losing support. The problem: Personal factors, like a lack of educational qualifications and skills or a lack of accessible services, often related to health and transport, can prevent people with disabilities from finding employment opportunities. The solution: Provide vocational training, job coaching, and skill-building programs for people with disabilities seeking employment. Bobby Dodd Institute (BDI) offers a clear path to empowerment for people with disabilities and their families. We have programs to guide them, from Benefits Navigation to Elevate Academy to the Ambassador Program, and more!