National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)
Each October is designated National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) by Congress. The NDEAM effort to educate the American public about issues related to disability and employment actually began in 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 (NDEAM).”
More: BBI Initiatives & Project Activities for Disability Employment Awareness Month.
American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD)
Disability Mentoring Day (DMD) is a program of the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) held each year on the third Wednesday of October during National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). Disability Mentoring Day is a nationwide effort to promote career development for students with disabilities through hands-on career exploration. Students with disabilities (mentees) are matched with workplace mentors according to expressed career interests. Mentees experience a typical day on the job and learn how to prepare to enter the world of work. Employers gain an increased awareness that people with disabilities represent an overlooked talent pool.