The Impacts and Experiences of COVID-19 on Employment for Individuals with Disabilities

ABSTRACT

Purpose: The COVID-19 pandemic is the most pressing public health challenge currently faced by populations around the globe;yet, little is known about specific experiences and impacts of the pandemic on the employment of people with disabilities. This study was conducted to gain a better understanding of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the employment of people with disabilities and their lived experiences. Methods: Data were drawn from a larger online survey study designed to describe the experiences of people with and without disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. From the larger dataset, 318 individuals reported having a disability and having been employed prior to the pandemic. A mixed-analysis using quantitative and qualitative data from those respondents was conducted to analyze and describe how COVID-19 impacted the employment of people with disabilities. Results: Out of 318 respondents with disabilities who were employed prior to the pandemic, 195 reported that their employment was impacted as a result of the pandemic. Specifically, 50.3% moved to work from home, 23.6% experienced a change in work hours and/or income, 22.6% were laid off or dismissed from employment, and 19.5% chose not to work due to personal or health reasons. Respondents described these impacts both positively and negatively. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic poses risks to the employment and economic well-being of persons with disabilities worldwide. There is a need for comprehensive, systemic, and collaborative systems of care to address the impacts on employment now and once the pandemic is over. © 2021 National Rehabilitation Association. All rights reserved.