National Disability Employment Awareness Month 2025

The poster is rectangular in shape with a dark blue background and an array of red, white and blue graphical fireworks of different sizes. Five of these fireworks frame photos of people with different disabilities working in various environments. Below the images, the words “Celebrating Value and Talent, National Disability Employment Awareness Month” appear. Across the bottom are a logo that says, “America 250,” the DOL seal followed by the words “Office of Disability Employment Policy, United States Department of Labor,” and the hashtag #NDEAM on top of the words “80th Anniversary” and the website address dol.gov/odep.

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

 

America works best when everybody works. October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) and this year’s theme is “Celebrating Value and Talent.” The purpose of this observational month is to promote the accomplishments and contributions of people with disabilities to the American workforce.

History
This tradition started back in 1945 when Congress enacted a law declaring the first week of October as National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week. Years later in 1962, the word ‘physically’ was removed. Then in 1988, congress expanded the week to a month and changed the name to National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

Ways to Participate
NDEAM is an initiative of the US Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy. There are many ways individuals and organizations can observe this month.

1. Review Policies and Train Employees
October is a great time to review your company’s policies on hiring and training employees in a way that creates accessibility and inclusion for all. Employee trainings might include disability etiquette videos along with discussion guides.

2. Post on Social Media
Draw attention to the month by posting on social media and in company newsletters. Use this year’s poster and key messages to create posts that resonate with you and your values.

3. Utilize Resources for Accommodating People with Disabilities
If you are an employer or decision-maker within your organization, you can play a role in making sure people with disabilities receive accommodations in order to be part of the workforce. Check out the Job Accommodation Network (JAN) and the Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability.

National Disability Employment Awareness Month is more than an observance—it’s a call to action. Every October, and throughout the year, we are reminded that workplaces are stronger, more innovative, and more resilient when they reflect the full diversity of the American workforce.

Visit the NDEAM webpage for more information and resources to celebrate the month.