Telework for persons with disabilities in the E.U. and the U.S.A: what can we learn from each other?

Persons with disabilities represent a growing population in both the European Union (EU) and the United States (USA). The ability to work is a key component in achieving independence and full inclusion in society, and employability is increasingly seen as an important outcome variable for studies in health and disability. However, persons with disabilities face considerable challenges in returning to work due to barriers related to transportation, job changes after disability, lack of support services in the workplace, and related barriers. Telework, or work from a distance, may help to mitigate these obstacles, while expanding the range of work options available for persons with disabilities. The EU has made substantial policy progress to support telework, but persons with disabilities have had only limited long-term success in telework initiatives due to lack of work support services. The USA has generally strong support services but lacks telework policy infrastructure. The EU and the USA can benefit from collaborative work to enhance their complementary strengths.