National Disability Employment Awareness Month celebrates both past and present workers with disabilities and aims to educate people about disability employment issues. NDEAM began by being celebrated only for the first week of October starting in 1945. In 1988, it was expanded to being celebrated for the whole month of October.
NDEAM emphasizes the importance of inclusivity in the workplace to ensure that all Americans have the opportunity to work and have access to services and supports that enable them to do so. With all of the accessible technology and other supports that are available today, it is simpler than ever before for employers to hire people with disabilities in high-demand jobs.
“Every day, individuals with disabilities add significant value and talent to our workforce and economy. Individuals with disabilities offer employers diverse perspectives on how to tackle challenges and achieve success. Individuals have the right talent, right now.” – U.S. SECRETARY OF LABOR ALEXANDER ACOSTA
NDEAM has a new theme each year, with this year’s theme being “The Right Talent, Right Now”. It’s more important today than ever to find the “Right Talent, Right Now” with our country facing work shortages amongst many industries. This theme is intended to emphasize the important role that employees with disabilities play in the economic success of our country.