The skill-based hiring movement is here Where are we?

In 2025, 22.8% of people with a disability in the US were employed. This marks a steady increase since 2020, illustrating the positive progression of workplace equality. However, unemployment rates are still almost double for those with disabilities compared to people without disabilities.

With this in mind, getting accessibility in the workplace right is important to ensure every employee is included, comfortable, and content at work. From employee access to workday accessibility, HR teams have to stay on top of people’s needs and requirements.

Not only is workplace accessibility the right thing to do for your employees, but in the US, it’s a legal requirement. In fact, failure to make reasonable accommodations in the workplace could result in legal action.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything HR teams should know about workplace accessibility, including key considerations for small businesses when hiring and expanding.

Key takeaways

• Workplace accessibility is legally required for US employers with 15 or more employees under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990.
• Creating an accessible workplace is vital for ensuring equity, encouraging employee productivity, and remaining compliant.
• Reasonable accommodations span physical changes (ramps, space), technological adjustments (assistive tech, alt-text), and workplace flexibility (time off).
• Beyond compliance, a focus on accessibility can reduce turnover, improve productivity, raise morale, and foster a more diverse workforce.