Prediction 1: Drop in Employment for People with Disabilities

The pandemic hybrid and WFH employment pendulum is swinging back with a vengeance. Companies that said they fully or partially supported work outside the office have changed their minds and started demanding more days in the office. There was a direct correlation between a substantial increase in employment for people with disabilities and more flexible workplace locations. Expect that increase to reverse as disabled employees decide it’s impossible from them to commute and retain the levels of health and energy they need to survive. Note: you should at least think about requesting a WFH accommodation for your disability before you quit. Read this EEOC article for advice. Yes, it is hard, and you may be discriminated against. But what do you have to lose? You were going to quit anyway.

Also, expect general employment themes to hit the accessibility profession harder.