How and Why to Celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month

Each October, during National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), we celebrate the contributions, achievements, and potential of people with disabilities in the workplace.

Employees with disabilities are dependable, loyal, and eager to learn-and research shows that their inclusion in the workforce improves overall employee retention rate and morale. However, people with disabilities have been marginalized and misunderstood for generations, and up to 85% of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) remain unemployed.

How to Celebrate NDEAM in October (And Year-Round)

Here are a few ways you can observe and celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

Learn about the value of people with disabilities in the workforce.

• Companies That Lead in Disability Inclusion Outperform Peers Financially (Accenture)
• Disability as a Source of Competitive Advantage (Harvard Business Review)
• Seven Reasons Why Hiring People With Disabilities Is Good for Business (Forbes)
• Accommodations Cost Less Than You Think and Have a High, Positive Impact (Job Accommodation Network)

Share your disability employment story and help someone share theirs.

The Arc has many disability employment success stories from both employees and employers. Read them and share them with your networks.

If you have a friend, family member, coworker, or neighbor with a disability who is employed, encourage them to share their story. Let's help more people understand the value that people with disabilities bring to the workforce. Share your stories on social media using #NDEAM or even reach out to your local news. Be sure to join The Arc's celebration by following us on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and LinkedIn and engaging with stories from the people we serve.

Look at your company's disability hiring practices.

• If you're not actively hiring people with disabilities, here's a tip sheet to help you get started.
• Review your company's policies and processes to make sure they are inclusive and comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
• Train managers and supervisors to make sure they understand implicit bias and their role in fostering an inclusive workplace.
• Post about NDEAM in your newsletter, on your website, or on social media to help increase awareness.
• Participate in Disability Mentoring Day, which takes place on the third Wednesday in October.

Donate to organizations that actively promote workforce inclusion for people with disabilities.

The Arc has been fighting for the inclusion of people with IDD, such as autism, Down syndrome, and cerebral palsy, in all stages of life. This starts with education advocacy and resources, which is the foundation for meaningful opportunities, and continues into employment access. Support our work!

Is There a Theme for NDEAM in 2024?

Each year, the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy selects a theme for National Disability Employment Awareness Month. The 2024 NDEAM theme is "Access to Good Jobs for All" to affirm that disabled workers must have access to good jobs, every month of every year.