The data identifies significant variances across the US, highlighting where businesses are successfully tapping into the full spectrum of talent and where barriers still exist. The ranking was created by Everway and measures employment rates across all 50 states using data from Disability Statistics to assess the percentage of people with disabilities employed in each state.
- Data maps the landscape of disability inclusive employment across the US, highlighting where businesses are successfully tapping into the full spectrum of talent.
- South Dakota is leading the way with 61.5% of people with disabilities in work, followed closely by Nebraska and Colorado.
- The data also identifies key areas for growth, with states like West Virginia (36.4%) showing the greatest opportunity to expand employment access.
The findings
Using the most recent data from Disability Statistics, the analysis ranks all 50 states by the percentage of their disabled population currently in employment.
- South Dakota ranks number one, with 61.5% of people with disabilities in the workforce.
- Nebraska follows in second place (58.7%), proving that the Midwest is a hub for accessible employment.
- Colorado (57.8%), Utah (57.5%), and Minnesota (55.5%) round out the top five.
- At the other end of the scale, West Virginia currently records the lowest employment rate for disabled workers at 36.4%, followed by Louisiana (38.7%) and Alabama (38.8%).
The opportunity
This data highlights a critical economic opportunity. With national averages fluctuating, millions of potential employees are waiting for the right support to enter the workforce.
States leading in disability employment
Rank | State | Disability employment rate |
|---|---|---|
1 | South Dakota | 61.5% |
2 | Nebraska | 58.7% |
3 | Colorado | 57.8% |
4 | Utah | 57.5% |
5 | Minnesota | 55.5% |
6 | Montana | 55.2% |
7 | District of Columbia | 54.8% |
8 | Iowa | 54.7% |
9 | Kansas | 54.2% |
10 | North Dakota | 53.4% |
States with the greatest opportunity to expand disability employment
Rank | State | Disability employment rate |
|---|---|---|
1 | West Virginia | 36.4% |
2 | Louisiana | 38.7% |
3 | Alabama | 38.8% |
4 | Kentucky | 40.0% |
5 | Mississippi | 40.6% |
6 | Arkansas | 40.9% |
7 | New York | 41.4% |
8 | Michigan | 42.4% |
9 | New Mexico | 42.9% |
10 | South Carolina | 43.7% |
Cathy Donnelly, Chief People Officer at Everway, commented:
"This data tells us two things. First, that geography still dictates opportunity for too many people. Second, that there is a massive, untapped talent pool ready to work."
"Disability inclusive hiring isn't just the 'right' thing to do; it fuels business results. When organizations remove barriers for people with disabilities - including the millions of neurodivergent people who think and work differently - they gain unique perspectives, creative problem-solving skills, and loyal employees.
The states at the top of this list are showing that it is possible to build environments where different thinkers can thrive. The goal now is to close the gap so that talent, not geography, determines success.
The past decade has seen a real drive towards increasing accessibility and disability inclusion. It is perhaps most important in the workplace than anywhere else that those with disabilities are given equal opportunities and the right support to excel.
Going beyond personal workplace accommodations, there are many ways organizations can adjust their working norms to better support different thinking and working styles, particularly for those who are neurodivergent. By doing so, workplaces can create more equitable environments that are more welcoming to all people. Some examples include:
- Champion employee voices: Don't guess what your team needs. Support employee resource groups (ERGs) where neurodivergent staff and those with disabilities can connect. These groups can advise and guide organizations on what is needed to unleash the potential of the groups they represent.
- Lead with empathy, not assumptions: Recognize that standard processes don't work for everyone. Be flexible with how work gets done, not just where it gets done.
- Design for the individual: Ask employees, "What do you need to do your best work?" When we understand our people, we can provide the right tools - whether that’s assistive technology or a quiet space to work - everyone is individual with their own set of needs
- Rethink the interview: Traditional interviews can be barriers for autistic candidates or those with anxiety. Provide other means of candidate assessment, for example ask them to submit a case study, do a practical assignment - which people can prepare for and practice ahead of time. Train hiring managers to focus on skills and potential rather than social performance.
No matter where you are based in the US, everyone deserves a neuroinclusive, welcoming and supportive employer, plus a workplace culture where they can thrive, so taking these points into account can go a long way in achieving exactly that."
State rankings for disability employment in the US
1 | South Dakota | 61.5% |
2 | Nebraska | 58.7% |
3 | Colorado | 57.8% |
4 | Utah | 57.5% |
5 | Minnesota | 55.5% |
6 | Montana | 55.2% |
7 | District of Columbia | 54.8% |
8 | Iowa | 54.7% |
9 | Kansas | 54.2% |
10 | North Dakota | 53.4% |
11 | Idaho | 52.7% |
12 | Delaware | 52.7% |
13 | Wyoming | 51.9% |
14 | Alaska | 51.7% |
15 | Texas | 51.5% |
16 | New Hampshire | 51.4% |
17 | Washington | 51.2% |
18 | Wisconsin | 51.0% |
19 | Nevada | 50.2% |
20 | Connecticut | 49.7% |
21 | Virginia | 49.2% |
22 | New Jersey | 49.0% |
23 | Maryland | 49.0% |
24 | Illinois | 48.9% |
25 | Arizona | 48.8% |
26 | Oregon | 48.6% |
27 | Rhode Island | 47.8% |
28 | Vermont | 47.5% |
29 | Massachusetts | 46.8% |
30 | Oklahoma | 46.7% |
31 | Ohio | 46.5% |
32 | Hawaii | 46.5% |
33 | Missouri | 46.3% |
34 | Maine | 46.2% |
35 | Georgia | 45.7% |
36 | California | 45.5% |
37 | Pennsylvania | 45.4% |
38 | Indiana | 45.1% |
39 | North Carolina | 44.6% |
40 | Florida | 44.4% |
41 | Tennessee | 44.0% |
42 | South Carolina | 43.7% |
43 | New Mexico | 42.9% |
44 | Michigan | 42.4% |
45 | New York | 41.4% |
46 | Arkansas | 40.9% |
47 | Mississippi | 40.6% |
48 | Kentucky | 40.0% |
49 | Alabama | 38.8% |
50 | Louisiana | 38.7% |
51 | West Virginia | 36.4% |
While the data from Disability Statistics tracks the broad spectrum of disability, it is a powerful proxy for the challenges faced by the neurodivergent community. An estimated 15-20% of the population is neurodivergent, including those with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and dyscalculia. For many of these 'different thinkers,' the barriers to employment are more than their physical environment.
Erickson, W., Lee, C., von Schrader, S. (2026). Disability Statistics from the American Community Survey (ACS). Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Yang-Tan Institute (YTI). Retrieved from Cornell University Disability Statistics website: (https://www.disabilitystatistics.org/)
These statistics were calculated by the Cornell University Yang-Tan Institute using the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Public Use Microdata Sample (PUMS) data.
Ranking compiled by Everway.
