When I first heard about a study suggesting that fewer remote job opportunities could impact disabled individuals more than anyone else, it made me think of my neighbor Tom — an avid outdoorsman who loved hiking but couldn't handle long commutes or standing in crowds.

The official story goes something like this: as companies return to full-time office work and reduce their investment in technology for remote operations, the number of flexible jobs suitable for those with disabilities is shrinking. The concern isn’t just about immediate job loss; it’s about reversing progress that has slowly built trust between employers and workers.

But here’s where I get worried: if you think about how Tom's life would change without a remote-friendly job, the impact on his budget and personal freedom is enormous. He wouldn't be able to enjoy leisure activities he loves because of the daily grind back at the office.

Let me explain with an analogy — imagine your household budget. Think of your income as the amount of money coming in each month to pay for rent, groceries, utilities, and fun stuff. Now, picture if one big chunk of that income suddenly disappeared; you’d have to cut back on everything else just to make ends meet.

This isn’t about me anymore — it’s about my grandchildren and the young people out there who might never see a fully inclusive workforce. When I was teaching, we talked about how every child deserved a fair chance at success no matter their background or ability. This feels like taking steps back from that ideal.

I stayed up late last night thinking about Tom again and all those like him who need these jobs to stay independent. If you care about fairness in the workplace and giving everyone an equal shot, this news should make your heart ache too.

So here’s my call: share this with someone who might not know what remote job cuts mean for disabled workers. Let’s start a conversation about how we can support economic independence for all.