According to the recent National Trends in Disability Employment (nTIDE) report, the labor market is experiencing some complexities, particularly for people with disabilities. As the economy navigates challenges, including uncertainty around tariffs, individuals with and without disabilities are feeling the impacts.

For those aged 16 to 64 with disabilities, the employment-to-population ratio slightly dipped from 37.5% in March 2025 to 37.4% in April 2025—a drop that might seem small but reflects a broader trend of struggle in the job market. Meanwhile, the situation for those without disabilities saw some improvement, increasing from 74.8% to 75.1% during the same period.

John O’Neill, Ph.D., director of the Center for Employment and Disability Research at Kessler Foundation, shares a hopeful perspective: “Despite the challenges, the employment ratios for both groups remained stable last month, with employers possibly gearing up for shifts in the market due to anticipated tariffs.” This suggests that businesses are preparing for change, a notion that can inspire hope in the workforce.

Interestingly, the participation rate for individuals with disabilities increased slightly, climbing from 40.9% to 41%, signaling a growing number of individuals engaging actively in the labor market. In contrast, the participation rate dropped slightly for those without disabilities, indicating that the job market remains unpredictable for many.

“While the economic slowdown hasn’t directly impacted the job market just yet, we should remain vigilant,” added Andrew Houtenville, Ph.D., an economist and director at the UNH-IOD. He reminds us that employment indicators often lag behind economic shifts, meaning the effects can take time to manifest.

Reflections: Year-to-Year Trends

When we look at the changes over the past year, the numbers paint a mixed picture. The employment-to-population ratio for those with disabilities saw a decrease from 37.9% in April 2024 to 37.4% in April 2025. However, there was a positive shift in the labor force participation rate for this group, rising from 40.6% to 41% in the same timeframe.

For individuals without disabilities, the employment-to-population ratio has remained virtually unchanged, standing steady at 75.1%. As of April, over 6 million workers with disabilities represent about 4.1% of the total U.S. workforce, a statistic that underscores their vital presence in our economy.

In conclusion, the nTIDE report not only highlights the struggles faced by individuals with disabilities but also their incredible determination to find employment. With resilience and adaptability, these individuals continue to contribute to the workforce, reminding us that every journey in the job market is filled with both challenges and triumphs.