VR: Bridging The Employment Gap For Americans With Disabilities
Paul Toomey is the President of Geographic Solutions. He's an expert in labor market data, workforce development and unemployment insurance.
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Nealy one in four adults in the United States reported having a disability in 2022, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Despite representing a significant portion of the population, individuals with disabilities face disproportionate challenges in securing employment opportunities. As of April 2025, the unemployment rate for people with a disability (8.2%) was twice as high as those with no disability (3.6%), according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) programs play a crucial, yet often overlooked, role in helping individuals with disabilities overcome barriers to employment. As the American workforce continues to evolve amid technological advancements and shifting economic landscapes, VR programs can serve as an important bridge connecting skilled workers with meaningful employment opportunities. They also offer a strategic approach to expanding labor force participation while also creating pathways to economic independence for millions of Americans with disabilities.
The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and its subsequent amendments, including significant expansions through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), established the framework for today's VR programs. These landmark legislations aim to empower individuals with disabilities to find gainful employment, become economically self-sufficient and contribute to their local communities and economies.
The scope of VR services is intentionally broad to address the diverse needs of individuals with physical, cognitive or mental health disabilities. These services can include career counseling, skills training, career placement, post-employment support and workplace accommodation. However, the importance of VR extends beyond assisting individuals with disabilities in finding jobs. It plays a pivotal role in fostering a more inclusive and equitable society by helping to break down barriers that have historically excluded individuals with disabilities from the workforce.
According to the BLS' latest report, only 22.2% of Americans with disabilities are currently participating in the workforce, compared to 65.6% of individuals without a disability. Bridging this gap and creating new pathways for people with disabilities not only has the potential to transform an individual's life, but can also provide significant benefits to businesses and the U.S. economy as a whole.
If businesses actively participated in hiring individuals with disabilities, they would have access to a talent pool of millions of skilled, highly motivated workers. A 2023 Accenture study found that companies that actively embrace disability inclusion see nearly double the revenue and 2.6 times more net income. Researchers also found that these companies are 25% more likely to outperform in terms of productivity compared to their industry peers that don't prioritize inclusion.
Additionally, studies have shown that individuals with disabilities are great problem solvers and tend to have lower absenteeism rates. They also report high job satisfaction, which can lead to lower employee turnover and higher returns on investments in training and development.
The future of VR programs is being driven by technological advancements, changing societal attitudes and a deeper understanding of disability inclusion. To effectively tailor VR services to the unique needs, preferences and goals of each individual, many state agencies and businesses are exploring assistive technology and digital tools to provide greater accessibility. This includes the integration of AI into specialized software and other adaptive tools.
AI-powered tools can assist with job matching, skills assessment and personalized training. AI also has the potential to streamline case management processes, enhance client services and improve employment outcomes for people with disabilities. However, human oversight is still recommended to combat potential bias.
The rise of remote work opportunities has also opened new doors for individuals with disabilities, providing them with greater flexibility, accessibility and savings in commuting time and expenses. Building on the lessons learned from flexible work arrangements, state agencies have adjusted their VR services to offer training for individuals to learn digital skills, remote communication tools and effective strategies for working from home. I believe businesses can do the same.
VR plays a crucial role in fostering a more inclusive and economically vibrant society and workforce. VR programs can not only empower individuals with disabilities to secure meaningful employment, but they also provide them with valuable skills, resources and support to help them achieve financial independence. These services also unlock an untapped and highly motivated talent pool for businesses.
As technology and changing societal attitudes continue to reshape the employment landscape, it is crucial that we continue to invest in programs that eliminate barriers to employment, bridge the persistent employment gap and cultivate a society that acknowledges the unique potential of an individual with a disability.
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