According to the CDC, 1 in 4 adults in the United States has some type of disability. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shared that in 2023, 22.5% of people with a disability were employed – the highest recorded ratio since comparable statistics were first collected in 2008.  

To help foster inclusive workplaces that ensure empathy and understanding for those with a disability, we can all be advocates for continued change. With the goal of accessibility, we can work to make sure those with disabilities have equal opportunity access to everything that those without disabilities do.  

July 26 is National Disability Independence Day 

This is the perfect time to connect on ways to better support disabled workers. National Disability Independence Day recognizes and celebrates the day the Americans with Disabilities Act, or the ADA, was signed into law. It prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities and works to ensure equal employment opportunities for those with disabilities.  

This legislation was signed into law on July 26th, 1990, by President George H.W. Bush and has had a significant positive impact on the lives of individuals with disabilities. The ADA.gov website states, “The ADA guarantees that people with disabilities have the same opportunities as everyone else to enjoy employment opportunities, purchase goods and services, and participate in state and local government programs.” You can learn more at: Americans with Disabilities Act   

How does the ADA define a disability?  

There are many resources available to learn more and become educated on this important topic. In the United States, there are different ways of defining a disability.  

The ADA defines a person with a disability as someone who… 

• has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, or… 
• has a history or record of such an impairment (such as cancer that is in remission), or… 
• is perceived by others as having such an impairment (such as a person who has scars from a severe burn). 

If a person falls into any of these categories, the ADA protects them. There is a wide variety of disabilities and ADA regulations do not list all of them. Some are visible. Some are not.

How can your company do more to support disabled workers?  

We have a lot to celebrate on National Disability Independence Day, but there is also work to be done. For organizations wanting to create a stronger workplace culture that supports disabled people, there are many options and initiatives to consider. 

Here are some helpful ways to create a more inclusive and accommodating work environment for people with disabilities. Most can be accomplished with reasonable adjustments:   

• Technology: Continued advancements are being made in technology and artificial intelligence that can support disabled and all workers. Adopt updated tools for your team, allow for remote work or more flexible work schedules if possible, implement assistive technology, and stay up to date with the latest technologies that can help simplify day-to-day tasks for your team.  
• Employment Opportunities: Employers should continually work to update hiring practices to be inclusive, and provide reasonable accommodations in the workplace that allow disabled workers the same opportunities when it comes to hiring, promotions, accessibility, and more. Employee resource groups are also helpful for co-workers to engage, mentor, and improve workplace culture.  
• Empowerment and Representation: Elevate the talents and voices of disabled employees and make sure they have a place in your organization’s leadership roles and in your community initiatives. Today’s talent pool is filled with extremely talented disabled people and disability inclusion removes barriers to success for employees and employers alike.  
• Public Accessibility: Continue to work toward universal design requirements that allow equal access for all individuals, such as wheelchair ramps, accessible restrooms, ADA-compliant doorways, and more.  

Cheers to the companies out there making a difference!  

As we celebrate National Disability Independence Day and recognize the importance of this legislation, we can also continue to progress. Through technological advancements, continued advocacy, and further policy advancements, we can work together to keep moving the needle. I applaud companies that advocate for disabled workers and I encourage everyone to become change-makers in this important space in our work environments and society.  

I am a DEI-certified internal recruiter with Goodwin Recruiting and would be happy to share further insights from my 20+ years in leadership, hospitality, education, and human resources, and how we change people’s lives every day. Feel free to reach out to me on this topic. And if you’re an entrepreneurial individual with a passion for building relationships, we’re always looking for potential recruiting partners across the United States.