The Benefits of Employment Matter to People with Disabilities, Too

Employment matters.

Many of us spend 40 hours a week at our jobs. Others log as many as 50 or 60 hours at work. Anyone who has spent a long period of time unemployed and searching for a job likely understands all the benefits that stem from regular employment.

The list is long and includes:

• Financial independence: Earning your own money and being able to cover your living expenses without asking for support from others.
• Sense of purpose: Going to work gives us a reason to get up every day. Doing a job well creates a sense of pride.
• Social connections: The camaraderie we build with our colleagues benefits employers, reduces our stress, and increases productivity.
• Confidence: We like to know what we’re doing so we can do it well. Performing well on the jobs, embracing our strengths and working on our weakness leads to self-assurance.
• Community integration: Most employers recognize the importance of giving back to the community they serve. Employees value contributing to the community where they live.
• Resources: Benefits packages can greatly improve our quality of life by providing health insurance, employment assistance programs, and retirement plans.

People with disabilities value all of these things, yet they struggle to find employment. In 2024, the employment-population ratio – the proportion of the population that is employed – was 22.7% among those with a disability, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. In contrast, the employment-population ratio for those without a disability was 65.5%.

People with disabilities are often an invisible population to employers, yet they are capable, willing, and motivated to find meaningful work. Routine is important to many individuals with disabilities, and regular work fosters that. They benefit from everything on the list above, just as any person would, as they are not defined by their disability. They are people with likes and dislikes, more interested in certain career fields than others, and typically in search of the same benefits that drive us to find meaningful work.

Several studies indicate that people with disabilities report higher levels of satisfaction with their jobs than employees without a disability. That leads to higher employee retention and higher rates of attendance.

Too often, people with disabilities are overlooked by employers, hindering their path to financial independence. They are excluded from being part of a workplace and part of a community. This affects both their physical and mental health.

The bottom line for most people with disabilities is this.

They want to work, and it’s critical for them to work. They want to build toward financial independence, value being part of a team and community, and gain a sense of purpose and improved confidence when given the opportunity to thrive on the job.

The opportunity to work and benefit from it is a gift all of us should enjoy.

VersAbility Resources creates employment opportunities for people of all abilities, including those with disabilities. We offer jobs and career opportunities based on professional interests and personal goals. We work hard to match people with the best fit so both the employee and the employer can thrive. Learn more about their employment opportunities here.