National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)

Each October, National Disability Employment Month (NDEAM) is a great opportunity to recognize and appreciate the contributors of our American workers who have disabilities. This year marks the 80th anniversary and the US Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment (ODEP) is celebrating with this year’s theme as “Celebrating Value and Talent.” 

Protecting Against Discrimination 

Efforts to raise awareness of issues related to employment and people with disabilities began around 1945, when Congress enacted a law that designated the first week of October as National Employ the Physically Handicapped week. However, this was later broadened in both 1962 and 1987 to expand on this recognition to include all persons with disabilities and recognize the entire month of October for National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

Additionally, the passage of the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) in 1990 helps protect individuals with disabilities by prohibiting workplace discrimination and unfair hiring practices. Any unlawful discrimination of workers with disabilities includes: 

• Salary 

• Job assignments  

• Hiring and firing  

• Benefits 

• Training 

• Promotions 

Yet, many employees with disabilities still face work-related biases and significant barriers when trying to apply for jobs. According to a 2025 press release from the US Department of Labor, unemployment rates are unfortunately still higher for people with disabilities who are more likely to work only part time or be self-employed. If you have been unfairly discriminated at your workplace, it is important to know your rights.

A Responsibility from Businesses and Organizations

Hiring people with disabilities may offer advantages and benefits businesses and organizations often more than you may realize. A recent report from Accenture as part of its Disability Inclusion Imperative research, found that there is a correlation with an increased positivity and even revenue for businesses which are more inclusive and hire workers with disabilities. Wokers with disabilities are a terrific source of talent, but so often workers do not always feel comfortable enough to disclose their own disabilities.

So, Accenture developed a guideline of five A’s that business and organization leaders can follow for more disability inclusion:   

1. Access — remove barriers and provide equal access employment opportunities 

2. Awareness — help to foster a culture of inclusivity  

3. Advocacy — a welcome workplace that amplifies workers with disabilities’ voices   

4. Action — implementing disability inclusion initiatives for accessibility and equability 

5. Accountability — measure progress and demonstrate a commitment to improve

Ways to Celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month

Share personal stories from the workplace that celebrates the contributions of employees with disabilities. You can share your own experience or someone you know who has a disability. Help the fight against the stigmas of hiring workers with disabilities.  

Employers and business leaders can highlight their employees with disabilities using the social media hashtag #NDEAM. Businesses and organizations should take time to review hiring practices and evaluate if they are creating and maintaining a welcoming environment that is inclusive for all workers. Some ways to do this include:

• Make the job application system accessible and screen reader friendly with alt text and clear language 

• Focus on core skills and eliminate unnecessary requirements in job postings 

• Share job opportunities with disability organizations to reach potential candidates with disabilities 

Additional Resources:

Project WHEN — provides information and resources for combating discrimination against workers with disabilities. 

https://projectwhen.org/resources/combating-disability-discrimination-in-the-workplace/ 

The US Department of Labor — shares a terrific YouTube video promoting National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hqjnP_nzl2U  

WorkforceGPS — their directory includes a Disability and Employment community to help connect professionals with improve strategies and opportunities to employ individuals with disabilities 

https://www.workforcegps.org/communities 

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