Disabled Employment Surged Amid COVID-19 Challenges; 2024 Presents Uncertainties
NEW YORK (Reuters), Disabled Employment – The landscape of employment for people with disabilities has witnessed a remarkable surge amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Individuals like Lucy Trieshmann, whose aspirations in the legal field were significantly impacted by Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, found new avenues for career advancement as the world transitioned to remote work setups. However, as the year 2024 unfolds, uncertainties loom over the future of disabled employment, particularly with the resurgence of return-to-office policies.
The onset of the pandemic in March 2020 reshaped the professional journey for many, including Trieshmann, who found attending law school lectures in-person arduous due to their condition. The shift to online classes enabled Trieshmann to thrive academically and professionally, securing a prestigious fellowship with the American Civil Liberties Union, which emphasized remote work opportunities.
According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), approximately 2 million Americans with disabilities entered or resumed their search for employment since December 2019, marking a significant 30% increase in workforce participation within the disabled community. This surge, previously unseen, reflects a shift in the employment landscape, attributed to increased self-identification among individuals with debilitating conditions and the proliferation of remote-work options catalyzed by the pandemic.
Andrew Flowers, a labor economist at Appcast, highlights the role of a robust job market and remote work flexibility in expanding opportunities for disabled workers. However, as the focus shifts towards returning to physical office spaces, the trajectory of disabled employment growth faces uncertainties.
The narrative of Netia McCray underscores the challenges faced by individuals grappling with long-term effects of COVID-19. McCray’s journey from being bed-ridden with the virus to acknowledging her status as a person with long-COVID highlights the evolving understanding of disability in the wake of the pandemic. With approximately 7.5% of Americans experiencing long-COVID, there is a growing awareness of the diverse forms of disability, encompassing both visible and invisible conditions.
Ariel Simms, President and CEO of RespectAbility, emphasizes the profound impact of COVID-19 on raising awareness about disability issues in the workforce, including mental health and chronic conditions. However, the path forward remains uncertain as the momentum for disabled employment gains shows signs of stagnation, especially with the resurgence of return-to-office policies.
Tameka Citchen-Spruce’s experience in the entertainment industry reflects the opportunities presented by remote work arrangements. As a filmmaker and community health advocate, Citchen-Spruce leveraged online platforms to showcase her work, overcoming traditional barriers associated with in-person engagements. The pandemic facilitated a paradigm shift in networking and professional development, offering individuals like Citchen-Spruce access to opportunities previously limited by physical constraints.
Despite the strides made in remote work accessibility, Stacy Cervenka, Senior Director of Policy at RespectAbility, emphasizes the importance of proactive measures to ensure inclusivity in the workplace. The impending return-to-office policies pose challenges for individuals with disabilities, who may encounter barriers to employment and face discrimination based on their condition.
The testimonies of individuals like Lucy Trieshmann, who encountered setbacks in their job search due to disability-related biases, underscore the need for systemic changes in workplace culture. As the transition to post-pandemic norms unfolds, advocates like Ariel Simms express concerns about the potential regression in remote work accessibility and its impact on disabled employment rates.
In conclusion, the surge in disabled employment witnessed during the COVID-19 pandemic represents a significant milestone in fostering inclusivity in the workforce. However, as the global landscape evolves, ensuring equal opportunities for individuals with disabilities remains a pressing challenge for policymakers, employers, and society at large. The journey towards a more inclusive and equitable workforce requires concerted efforts to address systemic barriers and promote diversity in all spheres of employment.
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