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The study reveals that employment for individuals aged 51-64 with disabilities has exceeded pre-pandemic levels, largely due to the expansion of remote-capable jobs. These roles eliminate the need for commuting and provide the flexibility necessary to manage various health conditions, making work more feasible for those who might otherwise struggle in traditional job settings. The option to work from home allows these employees to tailor their schedules and workspaces, offering autonomy often unattainable in office environments.

These findings are consistent with an earlier in the Disability Health Journal in 2023, which examined U.S. employment trends for people with and without disabilities during and after the pandemic. While both groups experienced job losses in the early days of COVID-19, people with disabilities recovered more quickly, particularly in roles conducive to telework. Employment for this group grew rapidly from late 2021 through mid-2022, outpacing their nondisabled peers, especially in remote-friendly positions.

The economic implications are significant. Workers with disabilities who might have exited the labour force or opted for early retirement can now extend their careers, maintaining income and reducing reliance on public assistance. This supports the financial stability of these individuals and alleviates the economic burden on families and communities. Businesses also benefit from a broader talent pool without incurring the costs of physical accommodations often required in traditional office settings.

For older individuals with disabilities, remote work eliminates several barriers that commonly lead to workforce exit, such as the physical strain of commuting and navigating inaccessible office environments. By working from home, they can adapt their settings to suit their needs, minimizing the necessity for costly workplace adjustments. This shift reduces costs for employers while expanding employment options for people with disabilities by making previously inaccessible jobs more attainable.

The flexibility of remote work has been particularly valuable for those managing chronic conditions, enabling them to integrate medical appointments and treatments into their schedules. The research also shows that older workers with prior experience in telework or recent employment history were better positioned to leverage these new opportunities. However, those without previous experience or who had been out of the workforce for extended periods struggled to benefit, highlighting the need for targeted vocational training and job placement programs.

The positive trends seen during the post-COVID recovery contrast sharply with previous recessions. During the Great Recession of 2007-2009, workers with disabilities faced disproportionately high job losses and a much slower recovery due to the lack of flexible work options. In contrast, the rapid adoption of remote work during the pandemic has resulted in a more inclusive labour market, offering people with disabilities the chance to compete for jobs that were previously out of reach.

No wonder that raise alarms about stringent RTO mandates, such as Amazon’s for full-time in-office work. Such mandates belie the of Amazon and other organizations with strict RTO mandates to inclusivity in their workforce, without any clear benefits for organizational outcomes. After all, even the most supposedly data-driven companies like Amazon acknowledge they backing up RTO mandate decisions.

For policymakers, the findings emphasize the importance of recognizing telework as a reasonable accommodation under disability rights laws. Enforcing compliance with disability laws and ensuring workers have access to necessary technology are crucial steps.

Sustaining remote-work options could yield enduring benefits for older workers with disabilities. By maintaining flexible work arrangements, companies can retain experienced talent and reduce turnover costs. This approach aligns with broader goals of diversity, equity, and inclusion, promoting a more accessible workplace for all employees.