By most measures, the economy is strong. Gross domestic product grew by 2.1% and the S&P 500 increased by 8% during the second quarter. Labor force participation for 25- to 54-year-olds returned to pre-pandemic levels. Yet nearly 9 million jobs are unfilled, and people with disabilities remain America’s most underutilized workforce.

Nationwide, only 35% of all working age adults with disabilities are employed, in stark contrast to the 75% of those without disabilities. The numbers in Washington, D.C. are not much better, where over 60% of working age adults with disabilities do not have jobs. SourceAmerica commissioned an employment inclusion survey of 2,000 employed Americans with and without disabilities to address that disparity and gain insight on creating greater employment inclusion for this highly capable—and available—workforce.

“The survey results highlight the need for all-around better access to employment opportunities,” said Richard Belden, president and CEO of SourceAmerica. “More needs to be done by government and private sectors to break down barriers to employment for people with disabilities.”

Key Survey Findings

1. Coordinated Action: Almost all respondents (93%) agreed that the government and private sectors should actively support employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

2. Broad Support: Nine in 10 respondents said it is important for the company they work for to value diversity and inclusion, specifically including individuals...

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