There is an African proverb that states, “If you want to go fast go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” This saying showcases that individual effort may help you achieve quick results, but collaboration, community, and mutual support are what make long-term success possible.
In a similar fashion, there’s a reason why sports teams that work well together win games. There’s a reason why various forms of transportation (automobiles, trains, planes, etc.) run smoothly when all of its parts are up to par. And there is a reason why companies/workplaces flourish when its diverse employees can use their skills and strengths to help grow the mission and vision of the organization.
Every October, National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) serves as an important reminder of the value, talent, and unique perspectives that individuals with disabilities bring to the workforce. More than a month of recognition, NDEAM is an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of employees with disabilities while highlighting the ongoing importance of accessibility, disability-aware culture, and equal employment opportunities. As workplaces continue to evolve, fostering an environment where individuals of all abilities can thrive is essential to building stronger businesses, empowering communities, and creating a more disability-aware future. Ultimately, NDEAM reminds us that employment is more than just earning a paycheck; it is about independence, purpose, opportunity, and the ability to contribute meaningfully to society.
The history of National Disability Employment Awareness Month dates back to 1945, when the United States Congress established the first week of October as “National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week,” recognizing the contributions of individuals with physical disabilities to the American workforce. As awareness and understanding of disability continued to evolve, the observance underwent significant changes to better represent the broader disability community. In 1962, the word “physically” was removed from its original name to acknowledge individuals with all types of disabilities, marking an important step toward greater inclusion. By 1988, Congress expanded the weeklong observance into an entire month to provide greater recognition, awareness, and opportunities to advocate people with disabilities in the workforce, officially establishing what is now known as National Disability Employment Awareness Month.
Another significant milestone came in 1990 with the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), landmark civil rights legislation prohibiting discrimination against individuals with disabilities in employment and other areas of public life. In 2001, the U.S. Department of Labor established the Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP), which assumed responsibility for coordinating NDEAM and promoting its annual themes. Over the decades, NDEAM has grown from a recognition of workers with physical disabilities into a nationwide movement celebrating the talents, achievements, and contributions of people with any disability across all industries. Today, its history serves as a powerful reminder of the progress made toward a disability-forward workplace while emphasizing the continued need to break down barriers, challenge misconceptions, and ensure that individuals with disabilities have equal opportunities to pursue meaningful and fulfilling careers.
A couple of members from the INCIGHT staff were asked about their thoughts on NDEAM.
What does NDEAM mean to you?
“To me, National Disability Employment Awareness Month is a month to raise awareness for the struggles that the disabled can face in finding gainful employment. I haven't considered it much in my own life, but I suppose that lack of consideration just means I'm lucky to have found a job soon after college.” - Mitch Blatt, Editor-In-Chief, The Understanding Digital
Why do you feel that NDEAM is important to commemorate?
“NDEAM is more than a month of recognition. It’s an opportunity for all of us to learn, participate, advocate for inclusion, and help create meaningful employment opportunities for people with disabilities.” - Grace Corrigan, INCIGHT Employment Specialist
“I feel that it is important to commemorate NDEAM because it is a reminder that being valuable members of the workforce/a workplace can come from various backgrounds and abilities, and because of this diversity, this helps progress and flourish the bigger picture of not only an organization or a company, but how society should be overall as a whole.” - JD Duran, INCIGHT Communications Manager
