ALBANY- A new report released by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli highlights both progress and persistent challenges for workers with disabilities across the state.
According to the report, the labor force participation rate for New Yorkers age 16 and older with a disability increased by 4.6 percentage points from 2019 to 2024. During the same period, participation among residents without disabilities declined slightly by 0.5 percentage points.
Despite these gains, only 28.8 percent of people with disabilities were part of the workforce in 2024—less than half the participation rate of those without disabilities, which stood at 69.9 percent. New York also lags behind the national participation rate for people with disabilities, currently 32.3 percent.
DiNapoli noted that the findings come in a milestone year.
“This year marks the 35th anniversary of the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act and while we’ve made some progress, challenges remain and more effort is needed to ensure people with disabilities have equal opportunities in the workplace,” he said.
DiNapoli emphasized that workplace flexibility, reasonable accommodations, and inclusive hiring practices are key to improving employment outcomes. “By championing inclusion, we create progress, prosperity and a stronger New York,” he added.