october is National disability employment awareness month!

The campaign for National Disability Employment Awareness traces back to 1945, and in 1988, Congress officially instituted what we now call National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) to educate about disability employment issues and celebrate the many and varied contributions of America's workers with disabilities. This year's theme is "The Right Talent, Right Now.” Held annually, NDEAM is led by the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy, but it's true spirit lies in the many observances held at the grassroots level across the nation every year.

The challenges surrounding disability employment continue to be of grave importance to the occupational therapy (OT) community. According to the 2017 data collected from American Community Survey, 913,500 unemployed adults living with a disability were actively looking for work (Erickson, Lee & von Schrader, 2017). Hundreds of thousands of people living with a disability want to work, but face challenges, barriers, and exclusion. Employment is not only a source of income, but an important developmental milestone, and is often a source of pride. Having a career opens the door to opportunities, communities, and skill training. As OTs, we play a crucial role in ensuring equal access to employment and participation.

National Disability Employment Awareness Month: A Proclamation

Workplaces welcoming of the talents of all people, including people with disabilities, are a critical part of our efforts to build an inclusive community and strong economy. In this spirit, The Coalition for Disability Health Equity recognizes National Disability Employment Awareness Month this October to raise awareness about disability employment issues and celebrate the many and varied contributions of people with disabilities. Activities during this month will reinforce the value and talent people with disabilities add to our workplaces and communities and affirm The Coalition for Disability Health Equity commitment to advocating for inclusive community.

WE, The Coalition for Disability Health Equity, continue to proclaim October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month. In so doing, we call upon employers, schools and other community organizations to observe this month with appropriate programs and activities, and to advance its important message that people with disabilities are equal to the task throughout the year.