Can remote work democratize access to work? Evidence from individuals with physical disabilities

• In Event: 30451 - Inequality

Abstract

This study examines whether remote work helps increase access to employment for individuals with physical disabilities. Using a mixed-methods approach—combining CPS data analysis, a survey of 500 individuals, and 59 qualitative interviews— we find that the increased availability of remote work significantly increases employment for individuals with disabilities. We investigate the mechanism as to why remote work democratizes access to employment for people with physical disabilities and find that this increase is particularly focused in areas with limited transportation and greater bias towards people with disabilities. We also find that remote work mostly shifts individuals with physical disabilities from unemployment and self-employment into traditional jobs, suggesting remote work serves as a pathway to work for those in the periphery of the labor market.

Authors

• Kylie Hwang, Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University

• Wyatt Lee, Cornell University

• Ye Joon Lee, Northwestern University