National Disability Employment Awareness Month 2026

When is National Disability Employment Awareness Month?

NDEAM is celebrated every October. The entire month is dedicated to increasing awareness and celebrating the many and varied contributions of America’s workers with disabilities.

When is National Disability Employment Awareness Month 2026?

This year's campaign

National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) is an annual event that takes place each October to celebrate the contributions of America’s workers with disabilities and to highlight the importance of inclusive employment policies and practices. The theme for 2024 was “Access to Good Jobs for All,” which underscored the ongoing efforts to ensure that people with disabilities have equal opportunities in the workforce.

How to Get Involved

There are numerous ways for individuals and organizations to participate in NDEAM:

• Host Educational Workshops: Conduct training sessions on disability awareness, accessibility, and inclusive hiring practices to educate employees and management.
• Promote Success Stories: Share testimonials and success stories of employees with disabilities within your organization through newsletters, social media, and company websites.
• Review and Update Policies: Assess and update workplace policies to ensure they promote an inclusive and accessible environment for all employees.
• Partner with Advocacy Groups: Collaborate with local and national disability advocacy groups to host joint events and initiatives that promote disability employment.
• Encourage Employee Engagement: Involve employees in NDEAM activities, such as participating in awareness events, volunteering, or advocating for disability inclusion in the workplace.
• Organize Community Events: Host community events that celebrate the contributions of workers with disabilities and promote inclusive employment practices.

Relevant Links

For more information on NDEAM, resources, and how to get involved, visit the following links:

• U.S. Department of Labor – NDEAM
• Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion (EARN)
• National Organization on Disability (NOD)

History of the Event

The origins of NDEAM date back to 1945 when Congress declared the first week of October as “National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week.” In 1988, the event was extended to a month and renamed to reflect the broader focus on employment for all individuals with disabilities. ODEP leads the observance each year, providing resources and coordinating events to promote the employment of people with disabilities and support their integration into the workforce.