National Disability Employment Awareness Month 2023
News & Resources
Federal
September 29, 2023
During National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), the White House recognizes the immense contributions of disabled Americans and recommits to delivering America’s full promise of equal dignity, respect, and opportunity for every American. President Joe Biden reflects on his history of supporting legislation that protects the rights of people with disabilities and how his Administration continues to promote job opportunities for Americans with disabilities.
September 28, 2023
In this blog post, Assistant Secretary of Labor for Disability Employment Policy Taryn Williams, M.Ed. commemorates NDEAM and the 50th anniversary of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. This act led to substantial changes to the rights of workers with disabilities. The Department of Labor continues to work towards ensuring a more accessible and equitable workplace for all. It is now launching a comprehensive review of the Section 14(c) program to re-examine its use and future viability and will be engaging with key stakeholders.
September 29, 2023
Every October, NDEAM offers an opportunity to celebrate the many contributions of people with disabilities to America’s workplaces and economy. The Administration for Community Living (ACL) is committed to expanding employment opportunities for people with disabilities, emphasizing the importance of competitive, integrated employment (CIE). CIE offers a path towards greater independence and self-sufficiency.
Private and Non-Profit
October 2023
In recognition of the contributions lawyers and judges with disabilities make to the legal profession and to encourage law firms, judiciaries, and other legal employers to make disability diversity and inclusion a priority, the ABA’s Board of Governors recognized October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Throughout the month, lawyers with disabilities and disability rights advocates will share their thoughts on this year’s theme.
September 22, 2023
Each October, the Arc celebrates NDEAM. The Arc encourages people to share their disability employment success stories and explains how employers can celebrate NDEAM year-round.
Websites
Federal
Every October Americans celebrate the accomplishments of workers with disabilities. Efforts to educate the public on issues related to disability began in 1945. This page includes information on NDEAM and the history of efforts to promote the rights of people with disabilities.
This page highlights key statistics about the employment of people with disabilities.
Observed each October, NDEAM celebrates the contributions of America’s workers with disabilities past and present and showcases supportive, inclusive employment policies and practices that benefit employers and employees. ODEP has chosen "Advancing Access and Equity" as the theme for NDEAM 2023.
Events
Private and Non-Profit
Friday, October 5, 2023; 2:00 p.m. ET
A panel of experts—including neurodivergent attorneys—will discuss what neurodivergent means for employers and the workplace, the unique skills and abilities that accompany it, and what businesses should be doing about it. The panelists will address the business case for hiring neurodivergent lawyers; provide best practices for recruiting, hiring, and retaining neurodivergent lawyers; share their initiatives and lessons they have learned along the way; and discuss what a neuroinclusive workplace looks like.
Tuesday, October 10, 2023, 3:00 p.m. ET
This webinar will focus on how technology has the potential to advance access and equity for people with disabilities. Innovative technology tools ranging from assistive technology to augmented intelligence increase independence by providing accommodations or enhancing access to information and services. This panel will share how technology can help people with disabilities overcome barriers in transportation, education, and housing, which then increases opportunities for competitive, integrated employment.
Thursday, October 12, 2023; 2:00 p.m. ET
Accommodation process points of view are unique to each individual and their role in the process. Employers responsible for processing accommodations requests and individuals making one will have different experiences with the process. This training explores various interactive accommodation process scenarios, analyzes common misperceptions, and offers insight to enable employers and workers with disabilities to recognize and consider different points of view.
Wednesday, October 4 – Thursday October 12, 2023
The Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities is hosting its First National Disability Employment Awareness Month Celebration series of events. The events will include panel discussions on accommodation and workforce issues. The Commission will also honor policymakers for their work in disability employment and recognize business leaders.
Tuesday, October 10 – Wednesday, October 11, 2023
RespectAbility will host a series of virtual celebrations, panel conversations, and networking opportunities for NDEAM. The summit will include panels on networking, uncovering transferable skills, exploring jobs in public policy and civic engagement, and more.
Wednesday, October 25, 2023; 1:00 p.m. ET
Best Buddies International, the world’s largest organization dedicated to ending the isolation of people with disabilities, will hold an event for NDEAM. The event will have three parts: a Chairman Chat, followed by the Participant Spotlight, and end with a Data Discussion.
