October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, and 2026 marks its 81st anniversary!
National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) began in 1945 as a weeklong national observance focusing on the contributions of individuals with physical disabilities in the workforce. As the years have progressed, this celebration, expanded to last a whole month, has evolved to acknowledge the importance of employment opportunities for all people with disabilities, including those with neurodivergence, invisible disabilities, and mental health issues. Its main goal is to highlight the positive impact individuals with disabilities have had and continue to have on the American workforce.
This year’s NDEAM theme is “Celebrating Value and Talent.” The U.S. Department of Labor states this year’s theme is meant to “recognize the skills and contributions Americans with disabilities add to the nation’s workplaces, communities, and economy.” It celebrates the many, varied, and significant contributions of America’s workers with disabilities.
National Disability Employment Awareness Month is significant as it encourages the hiring of and employing of individuals with disabilities. Employment for an individual with a disability can provide much more than just a paycheck. The list of benefits of employment for the individual is long and varied. Employment can lead to greater financial independence, more social connections, higher confidence in oneself and abilities, as well as integration into the larger community. Inclusive employment opportunities ensure that individuals with disabilities have the chance to share their talents in ways that are meaningful to them.
Inclusive employment practices not only benefit employees with disabilities but also benefit employers. Individuals with disabilities bring new perspectives, new talent, and skills to the workforce. In an Office of Disability Employment Policy survey on the employment of people with disabilities, 60.8% of companies reported that hiring people with disabilities increased their pool of qualified candidates. Employing individuals with disabilities can also bring economic benefits to employers. As detailed in this NDEAM video by the U.S. Department of Labor, a recent study has found that employers leading in disability employment tend to lead in economic trends as well. On average, these companies had 60% higher revenue, 2.6 times the net income, and 2 times higher economic profit margins compared to their counterparts. These findings highlight that disability inclusion and employment benefit the workplace as a whole- from building talent to increasing economic outcomes.
National Disability Employment Awareness Month encourages employers to reaffirm their commitment to ensuring all Americans, including those with disabilities, can put their talents to work.
So, what are the best ways as an employer to reaffirm this commitment and celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month?
Employers are encouraged to:
- Cast a wider net when hiring! Double down on efforts to recruit, hire, retain, and advance individuals with disabilities.
- Center voices of individuals with disabilities.
- Explore workplace updates and accommodations, such as adding alternate text to images, improving document accessibility, or adding captions to videos, to support current and future employees.
- Educate and train employees and supervisors about inclusivity in the workplace.
Individuals can also celebrate NDEAM and help make a difference in raising awareness of employment for workers with disabilities. Individuals are encouraged to:
- Share and amplify stories, statistics, and resources highlighting the contributions of people with disabilities.
- Advocate for inclusive practices in your workplace and community.
- Participate in awareness activities.
Since our inception, Arcare has believed that individuals with disabilities have the right to live the highest quality of life and achieve the highest level of independence and well-being possible. Part of this mission is the belief that individuals with disabilities should have the opportunities, such as the opportunity for employment, to meaningfully participate in their communities. This mission has led us to contribute over $100,000 through our Charitable Grant Fund for supported inclusive employment over the past four years. These donated funds have supported programs for inclusive employment at places such as The Golden Scoop and Down Syndrome Innovations. We are proud to celebrate and support NDEAM in its mission to recognize the contribution of workers with disabilities and encourage the employment of these individuals.
Please visit the U.S. Department of Labor website for more information about NDEAM. We can’t wait to see your celebrations and stories throughout October and beyond!