“Every October, the nation celebrates National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), recognizing the invaluable contributions of people with disabilities to the American workforce.” [1]
“In October 2025, we celebrate the 80th anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), an annual recognition of the positive impact of people with disabilities in the American workforce. This yearly event began in 1945 as a weeklong national observance of the contributions of people with physical disabilities. In 1988, Congress designated the commemoration as NDEAM, which then evolved to acknowledge the importance of increasing opportunities for people with disabilities, including those with mental health conditions and other nonobvious disabilities, in the workforce. In 2001, ODEP was created and entrusted to administer NDEAM, including the selection and promotion of its annual theme.
Leading up to the celebration of America’s 250th anniversary in 2026, this year’s NDEAM theme and graphics will also honor the national milestone. NDEAM 2025 will recognize the value and talent American workers with disabilities add to our workplaces and economy and highlight their achievements both past and present. That’s the spirit behind this year’s official theme: “Celebrating Value and Talent.”” [2]
How to Celebrate NDEAM in October (and “beyond)
“NDEAM is not just about recognition. It’s about action. Here are some practical steps that can help move us toward lasting inclusion.” [3]
1. “Educate and Raise Awareness
- Host Workshops or Webinars
- Share Resources and Stories → Use hashtags like #NDEAM, #InclusionWorks, and #DisabilityEmployment.
- Provide Training for Staff
2. Celebrate Employees with Disabilities
- Spotlight Achievements
- Employee Recognition Events
3. Improve Workplace Accessibility
- Audit and Upgrade Accessibility
- Gather Feedback
4. Partner with Disability Organizations
- Collaborate with Local Agencies
- Support Disability-Owned Businesses
5. Promote Inclusive Hiring Practices
- Review Recruitment Policies
- Offer Internship or Mentorship Programs
6. Celebrate Through Art, Culture, and Community
- Host an Art or Photography Exhibit
- Community Service Projects
Beyond October: Keeping Inclusion Year-Round
- Include Disability in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Goals.
- Create Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) for people with disabilities and allies.
- Continue Accessibility Improvements throughout the year.
- Recognize Disability Pride Month (July) and other related observances.
“Disability inclusion is not a one-month initiative — it’s a year-round commitment to equity, respect, and opportunity for all.” [4]
We are so proud of our clients and so grateful for our partners.
Resources
[1] https://www.larimer.gov/spotlights/2025/10/6/october-national-disability-employment-awareness-month
[2] https://www.dol.gov/agencies/odep/initiatives/ndeam
[4] https://chatgpt.com/c/68e53b30-ad2c-8330-bdf7-9dd5bf8c228b