Americans with disabilities, whether apparent or non-apparent, deserve the same employment opportunities as those without disabilities. Each October, we recognize this commitment through National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). This observance highlights the contributions of people with disabilities, celebrates their achievements, and advocates for greater inclusion and equal access in the workplace and beyond.
National Disability Employment Awareness Month is related to, but distinct from, Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month (observed in March). The former focuses specifically on equal employment opportunities, while the latter raises public awareness of the needs and potential of people with developmental disabilities. Both observances are vital for advancing inclusion and celebrating the abilities of this valuable community.
What Is National Disability Employment Awareness Month?
In 1935, Theodore Roosevelt broke barriers by serving as president of the United States while managing a disability. Although not officially documented as a catalyst, the effort to educate the public about the issues related to disability and employment began the same year as Roosevelt’s death in 1945. The advocacy began with the establishment of National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week, designated for the first week in October. In 1962, the word “physically” was dropped to recognize people with all types of disabilities. Then, in 1988, Congress expanded the week to a full month and renamed it National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM).
Today, this observance continues, advocating for equal employment opportunities for people with disabilities while celebrating their achievements and contributions to our economy and society as a whole.
More About Disability Awareness Month in 2025
2025 marks the 80th anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month. This year’s theme, “Celebrating Value and Talent,” highlights and celebrates the skills and contributions that workers with disabilities bring to workplaces and the economy. It also ties into America’s upcoming 250th anniversary in 2026, utilizing graphics and messaging that reflect and honor both milestones. Celebrating Disability Awareness Month this October is about recognizing the achievements of Americans with disabilities and celebrating the value and talent they add to communities and workplaces.
Why Is October’s Disability Awareness Month Important?
In 2024, the employment-to-population ratio for disabled Americans was about 22.7%, as compared to people without a disability, who had an employment-to-population ratio of 65.5%.1 This disparity highlights how important it is to advocate for the employment rights of people with disabilities, viewing them as equals despite their differences. The messaging promotes inclusion across workplaces, schools, and communities. It also challenges stereotypes about disabilities, reinforcing the idea that disabled people should not be defined by their limitations but by their talents, contributions, and potential to succeed when given equal opportunities.
How to Celebrate and Promote Disability Awareness Month
There are several ways to raise awareness about National Disability Employment Awareness Month 2025, both individually and in the workplace.
In Schools and Universities
Disability equality awareness campaigns at schools and universities help instill the ideals of the movement at both the administrative and student levels. After all, students today are the employers of tomorrow. At this level, the educational community can promote educational campaigns, awareness assemblies, and inclusive teachings that reinforce the values of equality in the workplace, despite differences. The Department of Labor offers campaign promotional materials, including an “I Can” video and accompanying youth discussion guide, as well as other promotional materials to help spread awareness across campus communities.
In the Workplace
Workplaces play a pivotal role in advancing employment equality for the disabled population.
Disability Awareness Month 2025 is an ideal opportunity to review a company’s policies and ensure that a commitment to an accessible workplace culture remains ongoing. Company leaders and supervisors can both undergo and offer disability inclusion training, spotlight disabled employees’ contributions to the company, and display promotional materials around the office. There are plenty of resources to help these efforts, including “turn-key” training modules and other customizable materials, such as those available from the Campaign for Disability Employment.
In Communities
Beyond the workplace, individuals can help communities come together to recognize the accomplishments of the men and women with disabilities whose work helps keep local economies strong. Following are some disability awareness month activities that can make a real impact this October:
- Local Events: Grassroots efforts like organizing workshops and panel discussions about equality and accessibility in the workplace help spread awareness. Add a local touch by highlighting the skills and achievements of people with disabilities in the community.
- Volunteering: Support or volunteer for local nonprofits and schools that serve people with disabilities to help promote inclusion.
- Social Sharing: Use your voice online to spread awareness of NDEAM during October (or year-round!) by calling attention to the observance, sharing key messaging, or highlighting success stories of community members with disabilities to inspire others and break down stereotypes. Use hashtags like #NDEAM, #DisabilityAwareness.
National Employment Disability Awareness Month Resources
To help spread awareness, there are plenty of resources available via government agencies and advocacy organizations.
Government Resources
There are numerous resources available on government websites dedicated to advocating for the employment of people with disabilities and promoting equal opportunities for all, regardless of disabilities. Find advocacy information and free toolkits and materials at these links:
Advocacy Organizations
There are many organizations dedicated to advocating for people with physical, intellectual, and developmental disabilities, both nationally and locally. The following are a few with more information and resources about disability inclusion advocacy.
- The Arc – One of the nation’s largest organizations that advocates for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as their families.
- AAPD – The American Association for People with Disabilities works alongside disability advocates, government agencies, and corporate and nonprofit partners to advance the goals of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
- There are plenty of local organizations, including schools and institutions, that focus on people with disabilities, their rights, and advocacy for equality. The National Disabilities Rights Network (NDRN) offers legal-based advocacy, searchable by state. Also, a search online can help you locate city and state organizations that serve your community.
At the heart of every service provided by KidsCare Home Health is advocacy for children living with disabilities, whether developmental, physical, or intellectual. Our goal is to provide compassionate in-home care for children, enabling them to reach their full potential and thrive.
