Employment Trends for People with Disabilities in January 2026

The February 2026 National Trends in Disability Employment (nTIDE) report indicates a slight decline in employment for working-aged individuals with disabilities in January 2026, despite remaining near record highs established at the end of 2025. The employment-to-population ratio for people with disabilities (ages 16-64) decreased from 38.9 percent in December 2025 to 38.4 percent in January 2026. In contrast, the employment-to-population ratio for individuals without disabilities also saw a decrease, from 74.8 percent in December 2025 to 74.5 percent in January 2026.

Ntide: Employment of people with disabilities declines but remains near all-time high

The labor force participation rate for people with disabilities also declined, from 42.6 percent in December 2025 to 42.0 percent in January 2026. Conversely, the labor force participation rate for individuals without disabilities increased slightly from 77.9 percent to 78.0 percent during the same period. These statistics reflect the percentage of individuals actively engaged in the labor force relative to the total population.

Ntide: Employment of people with disabilities declines but remains near all-time high

John O’Neill, PhD, director of the Center for Employment and Disability Research at Kessler Foundation, noted that despite the decline in January, the employment-to-population ratios were still higher than most figures observed during the post-pandemic period. He emphasized that if these numbers continue to rise, it would indicate a strong desire among people with disabilities to engage in the workforce. Andrew Houtenville, PhD, professor of economics and director of the UNH-IOD, echoed this sentiment, stating that the upcoming months will be critical in determining whether these indicators will stabilize or rise further.

Ntide: Employment of people with disabilities declines but remains near all-time high

When comparing January 2026 to January 2025, the employment-to-population ratio for people with disabilities showed a slight increase from 38.3 percent to 38.4 percent. Similarly, the ratio for individuals without disabilities rose from 74.4 percent to 74.5 percent. This year-on-year growth suggests a gradual improvement in employment opportunities for both groups.

Ntide: Employment of people with disabilities declines but remains near all-time high

On the same day the nTIDE report was released, a Lunch & Learn webinar was held, featuring discussions on the latest findings and updates in disability-related research. Presenters included disability rights advocates Jillian Curwin and Madison Lawson, alongside O’Neill and Houtenville.

Ntide: Employment of people with disabilities declines but remains near all-time high

The nTIDE report, a collaborative effort between Kessler Foundation and the University of New Hampshire’s Institute on Disability, continues to provide valuable insights into the employment landscape for individuals with disabilities. As the data evolves, stakeholders remain attentive to trends that could influence future employment opportunities and policies.

Ntide: Employment of people with disabilities declines but remains near all-time high

• “If these numbers continue to increase, it suggests that people with disabilities are really striving to work and moving beyond the plateau that followed the COVID-19 pandemic.” — John O’Neill, PhD, Kessler Foundation

Ntide: Employment of people with disabilities declines but remains near all-time high

• “The next few months will be telling. Will these indicators revert further into the post-COVID plateaus, or will they increase to start new plateaus?” — Andrew Houtenville, PhD, UNH-IOD

Ntide: Employment of people with disabilities declines but remains near all-time high