For many people, a job is more than simply a way to earn a living; it can help give structure and meaning to a life. But according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, only 31% of people with disabilities between the ages of 16 and 64 were employed in 2019, compared to 75% of those without disabilities.
Disabilities do not need to limit the pursuit of fulfilling work. Whether seeking a career in an office or building one from home, there are many paths to successful and rewarding employment. Disabilities may affect the shape of a life, but they do not determine what is possible.
Disabilities do not diminish individual potential or the ability to pursue an ambitious life and work goals. The questions of how and when and why to get a job inspire different answers for everyone, but whether working in an office with accommodations or building a career from home, there are many paths to successful and rewarding employment.
The Reeve Foundation offers access to a pre-employment benefits analyst who assists with the evaluation of benefits that would minimize financial and health care loss when transitioning back to employment. This program does not aid one in locating a job but instead helps the person weigh the pros and cons of returning to work from a health care benefits and financial position. These are the situations that may be covered:
People living with paralysis can sign up for this free service by contacting an Information Specialist at the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation to see if they are eligible:
Phone: 1-800-539-7309 (Ask for an Information Specialist)
Our guide details two Social Security programs designed to encourage people with disabilities to enter the job force without fear of losing benefits.
Data about employment and disability tells the story of a community whose skills and participation in the workforce remain untapped.
In 2024, roughly 37% of people living with a disability between the ages of 16 and 64 were employed, compared to 66% without disabilities. Overall, people with disabilities faced significantly higher unemployment rates and were nearly twice as likely to work part-time as those without disabilities.
At this moment, there are thousands of talented people with disabilities – including paralysis – who are eager to enter the workforce. A hiring opportunity exists for the employer savvy enough to recognize it – why shouldn’t it be you?
Finally, local non-profits working with people with disabilities can serve as a sounding board for employers as they pursue qualified employees. To find resources and organizations in your community, contact an Information Specialist at the National Paralysis Resource Center by calling 800-539-7309.
If you are looking for more information on employment programs or have a specific question, our Information Specialists.
Additionally, the Reeve Foundation maintains fact sheets on employment and work programs with additional resources from trusted Reeve Foundation sources. Check out our repository of fact sheets on hundreds of topics ranging from state resources to secondary complications of paralysis.
We encourage you to reach out to employment-related support groups and organizations, including:
Disability.gov was created by the federal government as the single online point-of-reference for information and programs related to disability.
Job Accommodation Network (JAN) is a free consulting service that provides information about job accommodations, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the employability of people with disabilities.
National Business & Disability Council (NBDC) is an employer organization and comprehensive resource for disability best practices.
Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) is a federal agency that works to increase job opportunities for adults and youth with disabilities while striving to eliminate obstacles to employment.
Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) offers grants to programs that serve individuals with disabilities in the areas of vocational rehabilitation, supported employment and independent living.
The National Paralysis Resource Center website is supported by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $10,000,000 with 100 percent funding by ACL/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by, ACL/HHS, or the U.S. Government.
