Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)

Overview

Because We Are EQUAL to the Task

Held each October, National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) is a national campaign that raises awareness about disability employment issues and celebrates the many and varied contributions of America’s workers with disabilities. The theme for 2020 #Increasing Access and Opportunity.

Celebrating Disability Inclusion for  75 Years

This year marks not only the 75th observance of NDEAM, but also the 30th anniversary of the ADA. Both milestones are being commemorated with a range of events and activities centered on the theme “Increasing Access and Opportunity.” An official poster is now available to download or order in both English and Spanish. Read the press release.

The event explored disability inclusion through the lens of workplace policies and practices that support mental health. Speakers and panelists included senior DOL officials and mental health experts.

History of NDEAM

NDEAM’s roots go back to 1945, when Congress enacted a law declaring the first week in October each year “National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week.” In 1962, the word “physically” was removed to acknowledge the employment needs and contributions of individuals with all types of disabilities. In 1988, Congress expanded the week to a month and changed the name to “National Disability Employment Awareness Month.” Upon its establishment in 2001, ODEP assumed responsibility for NDEAM and has worked to expand its reach and scope ever since.

Resources

Resources

To get NDEAM resources or learn more about how your organization can participate, please select one of the following:

Previous Observances

To learn more about past years’ observances, please select a year:

Partners

Southeast ADA Center