Disability Employment Policy

Approximately 40 million individuals in the United States are living with a disability. However, only about 20.6% of individuals with a disability participate in the labor force, compared to 68.7% of individuals without a disability. States can play a critical role in improving the lives of individuals living with a disability by reducing barriers to entry, improving accessibility, and encouraging inclusivity.   

As states strive to promote workforce inclusion, people with disabilities—including veterans with service-connected disabilities—are a key part of the solution. Recognizing this, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy launched the State Exchange on Employment & Disability or SEED. SEED is a collaborative effort with state intermediary organizations, including The Council of State Governments, the National Conference of State Legislatures, and Women in Government, among other organizations, which seeks to help state legislators effectively address policy barriers that may hinder the employment of people with disabilities. Through these partnerships, SEED is dedicated to ensuring that state policymakers have the tools and resources they need to develop and disseminate meaningful policies related to disability-inclusive workforce development.

Through the SEED initiative, CSG conducts research on policies and programs which can improve employment for individuals with disabilities, develops publications on innovative approaches to employment policy, provides states with customized technical assistance and policy development, and identifies new and innovative programs and policies through convenings of policy makers, subject matter experts, and community and business leaders. CSG is happy to respond to research, technical assistance, and presentation requests.