National Disability Employment Awareness Month highlights workforce inclusion

National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) is observed every October to recognize the contributions of people with disabilities to the workforce and the economy. Originally established as a week in 1945, Congress expanded the observance to a full month in 1988. The U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) is responsible for the annual theme.

The theme for 2026 is “Celebrating Value and Talent,” a theme carried forward from the previous year to coincide with the 250th anniversary of the United States. The observance aims to highlight the skills and perspectives individuals with disabilities bring to communities while encouraging employers to improve accessibility and inclusive workplace cultures.

Despite these efforts, significant employment gaps persist. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment rate for people with disabilities was 22.8% in 2025. Furthermore, the unemployment rate for this demographic remains double that of the general population, often due to barriers such as inaccessible hiring practices and concerns regarding the impact of employment on Social Security benefits.