National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)

Every October, we celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) to highlight the amazing contributions of workers with disabilities and the importance of inclusive workplaces. This year, we're excited to share some inspiring success stories that showcase the incredible achievements and resilience of people who have overcome challenges and thrived in their careers. These stories celebrate their talents and determination and remind us of the limitless potential in a truly inclusive workforce. Join PepTalk as we have a look at empowering stories and see how embracing disability awareness can drive innovation and success for everyone.

NDEAM At A Glance

• What: National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) is an annual observance held each October to celebrate the contributions of workers with disabilities and promote inclusive hiring practices. This year's theme, “Access to Good Jobs for All,” highlights the importance of providing equitable job opportunities.
• When: Every October. The 2024 celebration will take place throughout the month.
• Who: Organisations, employers, employees, individuals with disabilities, and advocates across the United States.
• Where: Nationwide in the U.S., with events such as workshops, keynote speeches, job fairs, and mentoring days, both in-person and virtually.
• Why: NDEAM aims to raise awareness about disability employment issues, recognise the achievements and resilience of workers with disabilities, and encourage the creation of inclusive workplaces that drive innovation, productivity, and diversity.

What is National Disability Employment Awareness Month?

National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) is celebrated each October in the United States to recognise the contributions of individuals with disabilities to the workforce and to promote awareness about disability employment issues. The observance aims to educate the public on the importance of including people with disabilities in the workforce and to reaffirm the commitment to equal employment opportunities for all.

NDEAM's roots go back to 1945, when Congress enacted Public Law 176, declaring the first week of October as "National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week." In 1962, the term "physically" was removed to encompass all types of disabilities. In 1988, Congress expanded the observance from a week to a whole month, officially naming it National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

What is the 2024 NDEAM theme?

The theme for NDEAM 2024 is “Access to Good Jobs for All.” emphasising the need for equitable job opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

How can my organisation recognise NDEAM?

• Educational Campaigns: Organisations and employers are encouraged to conduct workshops and training sessions that focus on disability inclusion and awareness.
• NDEAM Keynote Speakers: Inspirational speakers with lived experience of disability are invited to deliver keynote speeches at events, offering personal insights and practical guidance on fostering an inclusive workplace for individuals with disabilities.
• Story Sharing: Individuals are invited to share personal stories related to disability employment, helping to highlight successes and challenges faced by people with disabilities.
• Community Engagement: Local events such as job fairs, mentoring days, and discussions about inclusive hiring practices are held to foster connections between employers and potential employees with disabilities.

Top NDEAM Voices

Emily Goodson

Emily Goodson’s inspiring story of overcoming a debilitating brain injury at the age of 8 makes her a perfect choice for National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). As a speaker, Emily emphasises the importance of creating human-centric, inclusive workplaces where all individuals, regardless of their abilities, can thrive. Her expertise in workplace culture, recognised by major organisations such as American Express and Culture Amp, helps businesses drive conversations around well-being, diversity, and resilience.

PepTalk Fact: Emily has been featured in the LA Times and Monster.com for her unique insights on workplace inclusion 💪

⮕ Learn more and book Emily Goodson as a speaker.

Mia Ives-Rublee

Mia Ives-Rublee is a dynamic speaker with a powerful message for NDEAM, rooted in her lived experience as a disabled transracial adoptee and civil rights activist. Her work, including founding the Women's March Disability Caucus, has made her a leading voice in disability justice and inclusion. Mia’s advocacy extends across various marginalised communities, and she offers valuable insights on how organisations can promote equality and support disabled employees.

PepTalk Fact: Mia is an adapted athlete who has competed in track, road racing, fencing, and CrossFit at the international level 🏆

⮕ Learn more and book Mia Ives-Rublee as a speaker.

Mohamed Massaquoi

Mohamed Massaquoi’s journey from NFL player to disability advocate makes him an exceptional choice for NDEAM. Following an ATV accident that resulted in the loss of his hand, Mohamed has pivoted his career to focus on organisational psychology and peak performance. His presentations highlight resilience, team support, and using DEI as a tool for success. Mohamed's ability to connect his experiences to leadership and team-building makes him a highly impactful and motivational speaker.

PepTalk Fact: Mohamed is a graduate of Harvard Business School’s Program for Leadership Development, bringing top-tier insights into leadership and organisational effectiveness 🎓

⮕ Learn more and book Mohamed Massaquoi as a speaker.

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These stories are just a few examples of the many individuals who have overcome challenges and achieved incredible success in their careers. They remind us that when we build inclusive workplaces, we unlock the full potential of our teams. By embracing diversity, we not only support people with disabilities but also drive innovation and success for everyone.

Disability inclusion in the workplace

Creating an inclusive workplace starts with recognising the value that individuals with disabilities bring to the table. It means providing accessible tools and resources, offering flexible work arrangements, adapted access as standardm and fostering a culture of respect and understanding. Employers can also benefit from partnering with organisations that specialise in disability inclusion, which can provide valuable insights and support. By creating an environment of empathy and understanding, we can break down barriers and create a more inclusive and supportive workplace for everyone.

“If I have to feel thankful about an accessible bathroom, when am I ever gonna be equal in the community?”
— Judith Huemann

Workplace accessibility initiatives

It's also important to promote awareness and education about disability inclusion in the workplace. This can be done through training programs, workshops, and open discussions that encourage employees to share their experiences and learn from each other. Learn more about keynote disability awareness speakers and explore how they can inspire and educate your audience.

We can also drive positive change and create a more inclusive and innovative workforce by sharing inspiring success stories and promoting awareness. National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) benefits businesses and teams by promoting inclusivity, enhancing workplace diversity, and fostering a culture of acceptance. It highlights the value of diverse talents, encourages equitable hiring practices, and can improve team morale and innovation. Additionally, it helps businesses tap into a broader talent pool, potentially leading to increased productivity and a positive public image. The US Department of Labor in has a comphrehensive guide to disability initiatives that can take place all year round.

Hashtags for National Disability Employment Awareness Month

Celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) with inspiring success stories that highlight the achievements and resilience of workers with disabilities. We've curated a list of top hashtags for you to use:

#NDEAM2024, #DisabilityInclusion, #InclusionMatters, #SuccessStories, #AbilityInAction, #BreakingBarriers, #ResilienceAndAchievement, #EmpowerThroughWork, #InclusiveWorkplaces, #DisabilityStrength, #WorkersWithDisabilities, #CelebratingAbilities, #DisabilitySuccess, #NDEAMInspiration, #AchievingTogether, #NationalDisabilityEmployment, #DisabilityPride, #NDEAMInclusion, #DisabilityEmploymentMatters, #WorkplaceAccessibility, #EqualOpportunityForAll, #InclusiveHiring, #DisabilityVisibility, #DisabilityEmpowerment, #NDEAMCelebration, #DisabilityAtWork, #DisabilityAwareness, #AccessibleWorkplaces, #DiversityAndDisability, #HiringForAbility

These hashtags are closely related to NDEAM's themes and objectives, which focus on promoting employment and inclusion for individuals with disabilities.

What to read next

• Learn about the increasing awareness of Disability Pride Month and its impact on diversity and inclusion.
• Discover how top disability motivational speakers are transforming workplaces and driving change.
• Discover inspiring tales from overcoming adversity keynote speakers, and learn key resilience lessons for business and personal growth.

💡 Would you like to mark NDEAM with an expert speaker? Let us know, and we’ll find the perfect PepTalk expert for your organisation. Email us at hello@getapeptalk.com or send us a message via chat. You can also call us on +44 20 3835 2929 (UK) or +1 737 888 5112 (US). Remember, it’s always a good time to get a PepTalk!