Image: From left to right: Liz Powers, ArtLifting CEO and Co-founder; Mia Brown, ArtLifting Artist; Doris Guerrero, Senior Workplace Design Manager, People + Places at Intuit; Michaels Lyric, ArtLifting Artist; Charles Blackwell, ArtLifting Artist. The group stands in front of a gallery-style display of original artworks inside Intuit’s Little House. Photos by Monica Semergiu.

The disability employment gap continues to limit access to meaningful work for millions of people. This article outlines the scale of the gap, how disability inclusion strengthens workplace culture and performance, and how partnering with ArtLifting expands economic opportunity for artists with disabilities through visibility, creativity, and access.

• Understand the current state of the disability employment gap and its impact on individuals, workplaces, and business outcomes
• Learn how disability inclusion strengthens culture, creativity, and performance across organizations.
• Experience how inclusive design and corporate art programs shape environments where people feel connected and authentically represented.
• Discover how partnering with ArtLifting expands economic opportunity for artists with disabilities.

One in four adults in the United States has a disability, yet people with disabilities remain significantly underrepresented in the workforce.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, 77% of adults with disabilities are not in the workforce, compared to 33% of non-disabled adults. These disparities reflect long-standing patterns of limited access to employment pathways, networks, and professional visibility.

Research from the National Disability Institute also shows that adults with a disability require about 28% more income (over $17,000 annually) to maintain a comparable standard of living. When combined with reduced access to employment, the result is restricted economic mobility and long-term financial vulnerability.

These realities are the result of systems and environments that have historically excluded people with disabilities, including:

• Inaccessible physical or digital spaces
• Limited flexible work structures
• Misconceptions and stigmas about capability
• Reduced access to networks that influence hiring and advancement

These challenges are structural barriers, not individual shortcomings. The result is a missed opportunity for both individuals and employers. People with disabilities lose access to meaningful employment, and workplaces lose access to valuable talent, insight, and creativity.

Image: Liz Powers and Charles Blackwell admire his paintings One Standing, One Sitting and One Standing, One Sitting 2 at Intuit's MTV22. Photos by Monica Semergiu. 

Research shows that disability inclusion is a driver of performance. According to The Disability Inclusion Imperative, a national report by Accenture in partnership with Disability:IN, companies that prioritize disability inclusion outperform their peers, generating:

• 1.6x more revenue
• 2.6x more net income
• 2x more economic profit

Accessible and disability-inclusive workplaces:

• Attract and retain stronger, more diverse talent
• Foster adaptable, creative, and innovative cultures
• Improve retention through accessible systems
• Reflect the diversity of their customers and communities

For corporate real estate, HR, and talent professionals, this research confirms the importance of inclusive and accessible workplace design. Representation within the built environment invites connection and belonging, demonstrates a commitment to inclusion, and supports well-being.

Inclusion is a strategic advantage that benefits both people and performance, with measurable business outcomes.

Creating Financial Resilience Through Art

Behind every sale is an opportunity for independence.

ArtLifting has generated tens of millions in art sales, with the majority of profits going to artists, directly supporting professional artists with disabilities across North America. 

Artists earn 55% of profits from every sale. 1% of profits are contributed to the ArtLifting Community Impact Fund, which expands access to supplies, grants, resources, professional development, and creative opportunities.

In addition to the financial impact from sales, ArtLifting artists receive professional coaching and mentorship, support documenting and shipping their work, and advice and resources so they can advance their art practice and career.

Earnings and professional support are more than income. They contribute to:

• Financial stability
• Greater independence
• The ability to invest in artistic growth

Each purchase is a tangible investment in human potential.

Image: Charles Blackwell sits cross-legged beneath two print reproductions of his paintings One Standing, One Sitting and One Standing, One Sitting 2 at Intuit's MTV22. Photos by Monica Semergiu. 

Empowering Confidence and Creative Growth

Recognition fuels creative and personal growth.

ArtLifting artists consistently report that selling their artwork has a meaningful impact on their lives. Over 95% report increased confidence, and 97% say they feel valued knowing their work is displayed in corporate spaces around the world.

When artists see their art is celebrated, it reinforces what everyone deserves in their professional life: to feel seen, respected, and capable.

Image: Mia Brown smiles in front of her original painting Under the Sea inside Intuit’s Little House. Photos by Monica Semergiu.

Redefining Inclusion in Corporate Spaces

Workplace art is a design strategy for connection. When companies incorporate artwork by artists with disabilities, they embed inclusion and accessibility directly into the environments where people work, collaborate, and create. This is inclusive design in practice: making representation part of the visual language and culture of the workplace.

Through art rentals and rotation programs, partners integrate social impact into their physical spaces while strengthening organizational culture and keeping spaces fresh and active. Art becomes a bridge between values and experience.

Image: Michaels Lyric smiles in front of a print reproduction of his painting Immersion 2 at Intuit's MTV22. Photos by Monica Semergiu.

The disability employment gap is not a reflection of ability. It is the result of systems that have limited access and opportunity. Companies that embrace disability inclusion and accessibility strengthen their culture, performance, and connection to the communities they serve.

ArtLifting creates direct economic pathways for artists with disabilities to build financial resilience, gain recognition, and participate fully in the professional art market. Through thoughtful procurement and inclusive workplace design, companies can make inclusion visible, actionable, and lasting.

Closing the disability employment gap requires awareness, intention, and action. Together, we can build workplaces and communities that reflect the full range of creativity and talent in our society.

Explore our portfolio or connect with our team to discover how your spaces can uplift professional artists with disabilities and strengthen workplace culture through thoughtful, inclusive artwork.