How Remote Work Has Removed Previous Barriers for Workers with Disabilities

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many businesses to adopt remote work arrangements. While this has been a challenge for some, it has also opened up new opportunities for workers with disabilities.

Prior to the pandemic, many workers with disabilities faced significant barriers to employment. These barriers included:

• Transportation challenges: Many workers with disabilities have difficulty accessing public transportation or driving. This can make it difficult to get to and from work on a regular basis.
• Physical accessibility: Many workplaces are not physically accessible to people with disabilities. This can make it difficult for these workers to participate in meetings, use the restroom, or access other resources.
• Communication challenges: Some workers with disabilities have difficulty communicating verbally or in writing. This can make it difficult for them to interact with their colleagues and supervisors.

Remote work has the potential to remove many of these barriers for workers with disabilities. For example, remote workers with transportation challenges can now work from home, which eliminates the need to commute. Remote workers with physical accessibility challenges can also work from home, where they can set up their workspace to meet their individual needs. And remote workers with communication challenges can use technology to communicate with their colleagues and supervisors.

In addition to removing barriers, remote work can also offer a number of other benefits for workers with disabilities. For example, remote work can provide workers with more flexibility and control over their work-life balance. It can also allow workers to better manage their health conditions.

A study by the National Organization on Disability found that 70% of workers with disabilities who were able to work remotely during the pandemic reported that their productivity had increased. The study also found that 63% of these workers reported that their overall quality of life had improved.

Remote work is not a perfect solution for all workers with disabilities. However, it has the potential to remove many of the barriers that have prevented these workers from participating in the workforce. As the trend of remote work continues, it is likely that more and more workers with disabilities will be able to benefit from this opportunity.

Here are some additional benefits of remote work for workers with disabilities:

• Increased independence: Remote workers can have more control over their work environment and schedule, which can lead to increased independence.
• Reduced stress: Remote workers may experience less stress due to factors such as commuting, social interactions, and workplace distractions.
• Improved health: Remote work can allow workers with disabilities to better manage their health conditions by reducing stress and providing more flexibility in their schedules.
• Increased opportunities: Remote work can open up new opportunities for workers with disabilities who may have previously been limited by their location or physical limitations.

If you are a worker with a disability, you may want to consider exploring remote work opportunities. There are many resources available to help you find and succeed in a remote job.

Here are some resources to help you get started:

• The National Organization on Disability: https://nod.org/
• The Job Accommodation Network (JAN): https://askjan.org/
• The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM): https://www.shrm.org/

‍