Top States Supporting Remote Work for People with Disabilities
Breaking Barriers, Virtually: A Rise in Remote Work for Americans with Disabilities
Remote work has reshaped the employment landscape, especially for people with disabilities. But not every state offers equal access to this new world of opportunities. If you're wonder in which states are leading the way in disability-inclusive remote work, this blog dives into the data to help you understand where the progress is happening and why.
From comparing state-level employment stats to analysing workplace accessibility trends, we’ll explore how geography intersects with digital inclusion. Whether you're a policymaker, HR leader, or advocate, this guide equips you with powerful insights backed by real statistics.
The Big Picture: Remote Work & Disability Employment
Why It Matters
For many individuals with disabilities, traditional office settings present barriers, physical, sensory, or cognitive, that remote work can help eliminate. It’s not just a convenience; it's a game-changer.
Key Stats to Know:
- In 2023, about 21% of employed people with a disability worked remotely, compared to 13% without disabilities.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics (BLS) - Remote job listings that offer flexibility and accessibility saw higher application rates from disabled workers.
Pro Tip:
Organizations that invest in digital accessibility and inclusive hiring practices not only widen their talent pool but also meet ADA and WCAG compliance.
Top States with High Remote Employment for Disabled Workers
The following table compares U.S. states based on remote work participation among workers with disabilities, using data from sources like the U.S. Census Bureau and the BLS.
| Rank | State / D.C. | Remote Work Advantage for Disabled Workers | Notable Industries |
| 1 | Nevada | Disabled workers have a 2.6% higher remote participation than general public | Tech, Entertainment |
| 2 | Colorado | High participation in remote work overall, inclusive of disabled workers | Aerospace, Energy, Healthcare |
| 3 | District of Columbia | 34.8% remote workers; high inclusion of disabled individuals | Government, Non-profits |
| 4 | New Mexico | Higher remote participation among disabled than general population | Education, Public Admin, Healthcare |
| 5 | Oklahoma | Remote work rates higher among disabled workers | Energy, IT, Aerospace |
| 6 | Arkansas | Disabled individuals work remotely more than general population | Retail, Education, Healthcare |
Percentages may vary depending on survey method and whether part-time or freelance roles are included.
Factors That Influence Remote Accessibility by State
1. Broadband and Digital Infrastructure
Remote work isn't possible without reliable internet access. States like Vermont and Washington top the charts for rural broadband expansion, which greatly helps people with mobility challenges.
2. State-Level Disability Programs
States offering job placement, adaptive tech support, and accessible training see higher remote work engagement. For example:
- Minnesota funds assistive tech for telecommuting roles.
- Colorado promotes inclusive hiring with tax incentives.
3. Cost of Living & Benefit Gaps
Some states with higher disability benefits or better Medicaid expansion may enable people to work part-time remotely without losing healthcare coverage.
What Employers Can Learn from These States
Here’s how businesses can adopt similar best practices:
- Audit your tools: Ensure remote platforms like Zoom or Slack are screen-reader friendly.
- Flexible Policies: Offer hybrid/remote-first roles with asynchronous work options.
- Partner Locally: Work with state disability employment programs for inclusive hiring pipelines.
The Accessibility Advantage
When remote work is paired with inclusive tech, people with disabilities can thrive.
Benefits include:
- Reduced commute and physical barriers
- Flexible schedules for managing health needs
- Increased independence and confidence
Pro Tip:
Use tools like Accesstive to make your digital platforms more inclusive for remote workers with disabilities.
FAQs About Disability & Remote Work
Tech, customer support, writing, and design roles are leading the way, thanks to flexible workflows and screen-based tasks.
By investing in broadband, adaptive tech programs, and inclusive employer incentives.
Yes, earnings from remote work may affect SSDI/SSI eligibility. Check with a benefits planner.
Yes. Employers must provide reasonable accommodations, including for remote workers.
Yes. Federal and state programs offer tax credits and reimbursements for accommodations.
