New Policies: Will Disabled Employees Lose Protections?

With the new administration comes an unsettling time of transition for employees and job seekers with disabilities. So how did we get here? And what’s on the horizon for disabled workers?

A focused individual in a wheelchair uses a digital drawing tablet, showcasing creativity and technology integration in a modern workspace

History: The Federal Government as Employer

It all started in earnest with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, a landmark law that prohibited disability discrimination in federal agencies and programs. From there, momentum grew.

Over time, the federal government developed hiring tools which allow agencies to streamline hiring for qualified individuals with disabilities like spinal cord injuries, hearing loss, muscular dystrophy, and autism, among other impairments.

By 2014, federal contractors became accountable for disability hiring goals. Three years later, new rules required federal agencies to actively recruit, hire, and promote individuals who not only met the job requirements but happened to be disabled. These steps helped thousands find meaningful and supportive careers in public service.

Where We Are in 2025

Fast-forward to today, and the landscape is shifting. Amid recent federal workforce layoffs and the rollback of equity and inclusion policies, many disabled workers are finding themselves without the support they once relied on.

There is concern that messaging from the current administration may downplay the value of practices that provide disabled individuals opportunities to participate in the workforce. It’s important to note that job candidates must first be qualified for their roles. Disability inclusion does not mean lowering standards — it means making space and providing tools for qualified talent that an employer might otherwise overlook.

The Private Sector's Role: Will Disabled Employees Lose Protections?

Historically, employment rates for people with disabilities have lagged behind those without disabilities. In 2023, only 38% of working-age people with disabilities were employed — compared to 75% of those without disabilities. That gap remains stubbornly wide.

Advocates worry that current government policy shifts could influence the private sector’s commitment to not discriminate on the basis of disability, and they question whether employees will lose protections at work. Some organizations are already reporting an increase in disability discrimination complaints this year such as:

• Being passed over for promotions due to medical conditions

• Failing to receive reasonable accommodations like ramps, larger computer screens, text-based communication tools, and handicap accessible restrooms.

• Losing promotions or facing termination after disclosing a medical issue or disability to their employer.

  
  

What Can Job Seekers Do?

If you're a person with a disability navigating the job market:

• Know your rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act.

• Explore targeted hiring pathways such as Schedule A if you’re seeking federal employment.

• Seek out job training, resume development, and interview prep.

Looking Ahead

No matter which way the political winds blow, working while disabled can be challenging. Navigating the current uncertainty in our country makes it even more complex.