National Disability Employment Awareness Month: Reflecting on Progress and Taking Action
National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), observed every October, is a time to recognize and celebrate the contributions of workers with disabilities and to promote the importance of inclusive hiring practices. This month serves as both a reminder of how far we’ve come and a call to action for the steps we must take to ensure that people with disabilities have equal opportunities in the workforce.
A Brief History of NDEAM
The roots of NDEAM trace back to 1945, when Congress enacted a law declaring the first week of October as “National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week.” The intention was to raise awareness of the employment needs and contributions of people with physical disabilities, reflecting a post-World War II era in which veterans with injuries were re-entering the workforce.
Over the years, the scope expanded, recognizing that disabilities are not just physical and that many barriers are attitudinal or systemic. In 1988, the awareness week grew into a month-long observance, officially renamed National Disability Employment Awareness Month. This change reflected the evolving understanding of disability, including intellectual, developmental, and mental health conditions, and it aligned with the broader movement toward equality that culminated in landmark legislation like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990.
Today, NDEAM is overseen by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP), with the theme for each year reinforcing specific aspects of inclusion and equity in the workforce. NDEAM isn’t just about raising awareness—it’s about fostering real, actionable change.
The Current State of Disability Employment
Despite the progress made since NDEAM’s inception, people with disabilities continue to face challenges in employment. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate for persons with a disability was 7.6% in 2022, more than double the rate for those without a disability (3.5%). In addition to higher unemployment, workers with disabilities often encounter underemployment, wage disparities, and limited opportunities for career advancement.
These statistics highlight that while awareness has improved, significant work remains to create truly inclusive workplaces. The conversation must now shift from simply hiring people with disabilities to ensuring that those employees have access to equal pay, opportunities for growth, and accommodations that allow them to thrive.
Action Steps for Celebrating and Making a Difference
NDEAM provides an excellent opportunity for everyone—whether you’re an employer, coworker, or advocate—to take tangible steps toward increasing disability inclusion. Here are several actions anyone can take to celebrate NDEAM and contribute to a more inclusive workforce:
1. Educate Yourself and Others
Understanding the barriers that people with disabilities face in the workplace is the first step toward being an advocate for change. Take time to learn about the history of disability rights, the ADA, and modern employment challenges. Attend webinars, read articles, or engage in discussions during NDEAM. Sharing this knowledge with your colleagues helps to dismantle stereotypes and foster a more inclusive environment.
2. Advocate for Inclusive Hiring Practices
Whether you’re in a position to hire or not, advocating for inclusive hiring practices is crucial. This means encouraging employers to look beyond a person’s disability and focus on their skills and qualifications. Inclusive hiring practices can include making job descriptions more accessible, offering flexible interview formats, and partnering with organizations that focus on disability employment.
3. Ensure Accessible Work Environments
For people with disabilities, accessibility is a key factor in whether they can succeed in the workplace. This extends beyond physical accommodations like ramps and accessible bathrooms—it’s about creating a digital environment that supports screen readers, offering flexible work hours, and ensuring that communication methods accommodate different needs.
Employers should audit their workspaces (both physical and virtual) to ensure they’re compliant with the ADA and consider going above those minimum standards to foster inclusivity. Providing accommodations doesn’t just benefit workers with disabilities; it often improves the work environment for everyone.
4. Mentor or Support a Person with a Disability
One of the most impactful ways to celebrate NDEAM is by mentoring or supporting individuals with disabilities in their career development. Offer guidance, share your experiences, and help them navigate the often complex world of employment. Whether you’re a manager or a coworker, your support can make a significant difference in their career growth and confidence.
5. Host or Attend an NDEAM Event
If your organization has the means, consider hosting an event in honor of NDEAM. This could be a panel discussion with disabled employees, a workshop on inclusive hiring practices, or a fundraiser for disability advocacy organizations. If you’re unable to host, attend events in your community to show support, learn more, and connect with others who are passionate about disability employment.
6. Promote Disability-Friendly Policies and Programs
If you’re in a leadership position, review your company’s policies and ensure they align with inclusivity goals. This might include updating diversity statements to explicitly mention disability, creating Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) for workers with disabilities, or establishing mentorship programs.
Encourage your company to partner with disability employment services or to offer internships specifically for people with disabilities. By embedding these policies into the organizational culture, companies can create long-term, systemic change.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Disability Employment
As we reflect on the history and progress of NDEAM, it’s clear that awareness alone is not enough. The focus must now be on action—removing barriers, promoting equity, and ensuring that people with disabilities have the same opportunities as their non-disabled peers.
By taking small, meaningful steps—whether through education, advocacy, or policy change—we can all contribute to building a world where disability is seen as a source of strength and where everyone has the chance to succeed.
As NDEAM reminds us each year: inclusion isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s good for business, society, and the world.
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