The national adoption of remote work, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has been praised for increasing workplace accessibility, the Cheyenne Post reports.
However, workers with disabilities still experience varying levels of access to remote opportunities across different states. A recent analysis by accessiBe, utilizing Census Bureau data, highlights where Americans with disabilities are working remotely at higher rates than the general population and examines how Wyoming compares to these trends.
Nationally, 13.1% of workers with disabilities engaged in remote work in 2023, compared to 13.9% of the overall workforce. While these figures appear close, notable geographic variations exist. In several states, workers with disabilities surpass the general workforce in remote work participation. For instance, states like Nevada, New Mexico, and Oklahoma exhibit significant differences, with workers with disabilities leading the general workforce in remote work rates by notable margins.
In Wyoming, 10.0% of workers with disabilities worked remotely in 2023, slightly below the 10.3% rate for the general workforce. This places the state below national averages for both groups, reflecting a broader trend in areas where remote work adoption lags.
Remote work has proven transformative for many workers with disabilities. It minimizes physical barriers, such as inaccessible workplaces, and allows individuals to utilize assistive technologies and make accommodations more easily within their homes. Additionally, remote work can eliminate taxing commutes and provide greater flexibility for necessary breaks.
Despite these benefits, challenges persist. Digital accessibility barriers, such as inaccessible workplace technology or communication tools, remain a concern. Furthermore, some workers with disabilities may face social isolation when working remotely, exacerbating feelings of exclusion.
The rise in remote work aligns with broader employment gains for individuals with disabilities. In 2023, a record 22.5% of Americans with disabilities were employed, marking a 1.2 percentage point increase from 2022. The share of workers with disabilities in higher-paying roles, such as management and science occupations, also grew significantly, highlighting improved opportunities in some sectors.
Remote work remains a crucial element in promoting equity and inclusion in the workplace. Employers who prioritize digital accessibility and normalize remote work as a standard option—rather than an exception—can help create more inclusive environments for workers with disabilities and the broader workforce.
