Aug 63 min read

National Disability Employment Awareness Month 2024: Access to Good Jobs for All

Updated: 2 days ago

October marks National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), a time to

Two women communicating with sign language — Access to Good Jobs for All

recognize, learn about and advocate for American workers with disabilities. This year's theme, "Access to Good Jobs for All," highlights the ongoing commitment to creating inclusive workplaces and ensuring equal employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

The Origins of NDEAM

NDEAM's roots trace back to 1945 when Congress enacted a law declaring the first week in October "National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week." This initiative was spearheaded by the efforts of World War II veterans and civil rights advocates who recognized the need to support disabled Americans in the workforce.

Several key figures played crucial roles in establishing this observance. Harry S. Truman, the 33rd President of the United States, lent his support to the cause by signing the proclamation for the first "National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week." His endorsement gave national recognition to the importance of employing individuals with disabilities.

Alongside Truman, Jack Clements, a disabled World War II veteran, worked tirelessly to bring attention to the issue. Clements lobbied Congress to create the observance, using his personal experiences to highlight the challenges and potential of disabled workers. His advocacy was instrumental in gaining legislative support for the initiative.

Another significant contributor was Mary Elizabeth Switzer, who served as the Director of the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation. Switzer's dedication to expanding vocational rehabilitation programs laid the groundwork for more comprehensive support systems for workers with disabilities. Her efforts helped shape policies that would eventually lead to broader recognition and support for disabled individuals in the workforce.

These influential figures, along with many others, paved the way for what would eventually become National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Their combined efforts raised awareness, influenced policy, and set the stage for the ongoing work of creating more inclusive workplaces across America.

Champions and Role Models

Throughout history, many Americans with disabilities have championed the cause of employment rights and served as inspirational role models. Here are a few notable figures:

Ed Roberts: Often called the "Father of Independent Living," Roberts was a pioneering disability rights activist who founded the first Center for Independent Living and later served as director of the California Department of Vocational Rehabilitation.
Judy Heumann: A lifelong advocate for disability rights, Heumann served as the Special Advisor for International Disability Rights at the U.S. Department of State and played a key role in the development and implementation of disability rights legislation.
Temple Grandin: An author, speaker, and professor of animal science at Colorado State University, Grandin is known for her groundbreaking work in the livestock industry and her advocacy for autism awareness.
Tony Coelho: A former U.S. Congressman who was the primary sponsor of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and continues to be a prominent voice for disability rights.

Expanding Access to Jobs: What Employers Can Do

As we celebrate NDEAM 2024, employers can take several steps to expand access to good jobs for people with disabilities:

Implement inclusive hiring practices: Review job descriptions and application processes to ensure they are accessible and do not unintentionally exclude qualified candidates with disabilities.
Provide reasonable accommodations: Create a clear process for requesting and implementing workplace accommodations.
Foster an inclusive culture: Offer disability awareness training to all employees and promote a workplace that values diversity in all forms.
Partner with disability organizations: Collaborate with local disability advocacy groups and vocational rehabilitation agencies to tap into a diverse talent pool.
Embrace remote work options: When possible, offer flexible work arrangements that can benefit many employees, including those with disabilities.
Ensure digital accessibility: Make sure company websites, internal communication tools, and digital resources are accessible to all employees.
Develop mentorship programs: Create opportunities for employees with disabilities to connect with mentors and advance their careers within the organization.
Regularly assess and improve: Conduct periodic audits of your company's disability inclusion efforts and seek feedback from employees to continuously improve.

As we move into the time to recognize NDEAM 2024, let's reaffirm our commitment to creating workplaces where all individuals, regardless of disability, have access to good jobs and the opportunity to thrive.