This info brief looks at research conducted by the Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access (IDEA Center) at the University at Buffalo, funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR). The brief highlights key findings and implications related to transportation systems, workplace design, and universal design strategies that support access to employment for people with disabilities. The information in this brief is intended for employers, transportation professionals, policymakers, disability advocates, workplace designers, and people with disabilities.

Overview

• Employment participation depends on more than just workplace accessibility. Transportation systems, workplace environments, and practices all influence whether people with disabilities can access, participate in, and keep a job.
• Universal design (UD) expands beyond minimum accessibility requirements by supporting usability, comfort, independence, wellness, and inclusion for a wide range of employees and job seekers.
• Findings from NIDILRR-funded transportation and workplace studies highlight opportunities to support getting to, being at, and keeping a job.