In October, Americans observe National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) by highlighting the importance of disability-inclusive hiring. We take this month to emphasize inclusion in the workplace, ensuring equal opportunity for people with disabilities. This year’s official theme for NDEAM is “Access to Good Jobs for All.” Assistant Secretary for Disability Employment Policy Taryn M. Williams states, “Good jobs change lives and all workers – including disabled people – deserve the opportunity to prepare for success in high-quality, good-paying jobs in workplaces free of discrimination.”
NDEAM can be traced back to 1945, shortly after the end of World War II. Disabled veterans who returned from war faced many challenges – including employment. To aid our veterans, Congress enacted Public Law 176 – declaring the first week of October as National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week. The movement continued to grow throughout the years, and disability rights became more widely understood. In 1962, the word “physically” was taken out of the title to include people with both visible and invisible disabilities. It wouldn’t be until 1988 that Congress expanded the week-long observance to the full month – renaming it National Disability Employment Awareness Month as we know it today. Although the name of the cause has changed throughout the years, its goal has remained the same.
Most recently, in September of 2024, the U.S. Department of Labor released a report that stated 37.5 % of people with disabilities between the ages of 16-64 years old were employed in America. Compared to the 2023 statistic of the same demographic, 37.1%, we’ve seen a positive growth. However, the unemployment rate has also increased from 7.7% to 7.9%. Employment for people without disabilities, ages 16-64 years old, was reported at 75% with an unemployment rate of 3.8% – half of what it is for people with disabilities.
Employees with disabilities offer diversity, talent, and unique perspectives to the workplace. At the same time, having a job provides them with financial, social, and professional independence. This year we focus on expanding the workforce to offer more job opportunities for the disabled community. Disability inclusion within the workplace goes beyond hiring, it promotes a work culture that values and encourages all employees for their strengths. NDEAM reminds us yearly that while progress has been made, we must continue to advocate for disability rights.