Want to sponsor National Disability Employment Awareness Month? Learn how
- Categories:
- Special Interest
- Tags:
- Awareness
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every October
- Holiday emoji:
- 🤝
National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) dedicates the entire month of October to celebrating the valuable contributions of workers with disabilities and promoting inclusive hiring practices. Join the movement by advocating for accessibility, supporting disability-inclusive businesses, and fostering an equitable workplace culture.
Expected National Disability Employment Awareness Month Deals
Throughout October, National Disability Employment Awareness Month shifts focus from commercial deals to impactful initiatives. Organizations like the **Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP)** and **Disability:IN** partner with corporations to host webinars, job fairs, and awareness campaigns. Many companies, such as **Microsoft** and **Starbucks**, highlight their commitment to disability inclusion through internal programs and external messaging, often encouraging donations to disability advocacy groups. Look for educational resources and calls to action from non-profits like the **National Organization on Disability (NOD)**. We will update this page with confirmed live events and resources as October approaches.
Platform Guide for National Disability Employment Awareness Month
Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #NDEAM. Share your company’s inclusive hiring successes or resources for job seekers with disabilities.
X/Twitter
Mention @NatlToday and use #NDEAM. Join the conversation around accessible workplaces and share news on disability employment trends.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #NDEAM. Share stories of successful disability employment or local events promoting awareness and inclusion.
National Disability Employment Awareness Month Hero
Franklin D. Roosevelt
History of National Disability Employment Awareness Month
National Disability Employment Awareness Month was created to educate the general public on the issues that workers with disabilities face and how employers can be more inclusive in their hiring practices.
This celebration’s history started decades ago in 1945 when Congress enacted Public Law 176, which birthed what we know today as the National Disability Employment Awareness Month (N.D.E.A.M). It was only for a week then and called National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week. In 1962, the word ‘physically’ was removed to make the celebration inclusive of individuals with disabilities that were not physical. 26-years later, the celebrations were extended to a whole month by Congress and renamed National Disability Employment Awareness Month in 1988.
Another major step in the evolution of N.D.E.A.M came some years later in 2001 when the Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) was formed as an offshoot of the U.S. Department of Labor. ODEP took over the management of the N.D.E.A.M and was responsible for choosing the theme for each year, which usually happens at the beginning of the year to give companies and individuals more time for preparation.
This year marks 76 years since the National Disability Employment Awareness Month was first celebrated. Organizations, companies, and individuals are encouraged to participate in spreading the word, especially at the grassroots level, where any form of outreach can be most effective. After all, it is for a whole month, lots of time to get things done!
National Disability Employment Awareness Month timeline
Congress establishes National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week.
‘Physically’ in the name is dropped to make it more inclusive.
The name changes to National Disability Employment Awareness Month
The Office of Disability Employment Policy takes over the management of N.D.E.A.M.
How Businesses Can Celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month
Local businesses can honor National Disability Employment Awareness Month by actively reviewing and improving their hiring practices to be more inclusive. Offer accessible job applications, conduct unconscious bias training for hiring managers, and partner with local disability organizations to source talent. Highlight the contributions of employees with disabilities through internal communications and external campaigns, using #NDEAM to amplify your commitment.
National Disability Employment Awareness Month FAQs
When is National Disability Employment Awareness Month?
In 2027, National Disability Employment Awareness Month will again be observed throughout October, focusing on fostering workplaces that value the skills and talents of all individuals and removing barriers to employment.
How many people with disabilities are employed in the U.S.?
The number of employed people with disabilities continues to fluctuate, with recent data showing an upward trend in participation. Efforts during October 2027 will aim to further increase these numbers and close employment gaps.
What is the history of National Disability Employment Awareness Month?
The observance expanded in 1962 with the removal of ‘physically’ to be more inclusive, and in 1988, Congress changed it to a full month and renamed it ‘National Disability Employment Awareness Month,’ reflecting a broader commitment to inclusion.
What is the theme for National Disability Employment Awareness Month?
The theme for NDEAM 2027 will guide the nationwide celebration, providing a focal point for events and discussions. These themes are designed to inspire action and highlight critical issues in creating more inclusive workplaces.
How to Observe National Disability Employment Awareness Month
Review your company policies
A great way to show support to employees is to take time to review your company's culture by double-checking that those with disabilities are included.
Hold a discussion
The N.D.E.A.M is the perfect opportunity to organize discussions, especially for students, centering around disability employment. This is especially important because they are at an age when they are considering career options and having all this information will help them make the right choices.
Create an N.D.E.A.M press release
This is a good tip for government agencies, legislators, and policymakers. Formal statements reiterating the commitment of the state to foster inclusive workplace culture for employees with disabilities will highlight the importance of this holiday.
5 Facts About National Disability Employment Awareness Month That Will Blow Your Mind
It started after World War II
N.D.E.A.M. discussions were triggered by veterans with disabilities returning home.
Truman started it all
President Harry S. Truman approved the resolution to start N.D.E.A.M.
Justin Dart Jr. is the hero
The human rights activist is regarded as the “father” of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The D.o.D is a fierce supporter
The U.S. Department of Defence employs thousands of individuals with disabilities.
ODEP is in charge
The Office of Disability Employment Office (ODEP) is responsible for running the N.D.E.A.M.
Why National Disability Employment Awareness Month is Important
N.D.E.A.M educates the public
One of the reasons why N.D.E.A.M is important is that it highlights the struggles of people with disabilities. This is especially true in the labor market where it may not be as easy for disabled individuals to get jobs.
N.D.E.A.M creates job opportunities
The National Disability Employment Awareness Month is a great period for people with disabilities to get jobs. Many states organize job fairs that connect people with disabilities and organizations.
N.D.E.A.M helps individuals with disabilities acquire skills
Several initiatives make this period special for people with disabilities. Some states partner with local health care institutions and community colleges to help individuals with disabilities acquire marketable skills that can help them get jobs.
Social Media Tips for National Disability Employment Awareness Month
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