Disability Employment Awareness Month

Category: Diversity
Disability Employment Awareness Month in USA in 2025

About Disability Employment Awareness Month

How long until Disability Employment Awareness Month?
Disability Employment Awareness Month .
Dates of Disability Employment Awareness Month
2026 USA Thursday, October 1stDisability Employment Awareness Month
2025 USA Wednesday, October 1stDisability Employment Awareness Month
2024 USA Tuesday, October 1stDisability Employment Awareness Month
2023 USA Sunday, October 1stDisability Employment Awareness Month
2022 USA Saturday, October 1stDisability Employment Awareness Month
Summary
Diversity Awareness Month is all about opening dialogues that foster an appreciation of the differences that separate us as well as the similarities that unite us.

History of National Disability Employment Awareness Month

Public Law 176, enacted by Congress in 1945, designated the first week in October as "National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week." In 1962, the word "physically" was removed from the week's name to recognize the employment needs of all Americans with disabilities. In 1988, Congress expanded the week to a month and changed its name to "National Disability Employment Awareness Month."

2015's NDEAM theme stems from the Campaign for Disability Employment's Who I Am" PSA, which features nine people with disabilities sharing the many ways they describe themselves, including their occupations.

Did you know?

41.1 million or 12.7%
The total civilian noninstitutionalized population with a disability in the United States in 2019.

Source:2019 American Community Survey

July 7th 2020 marked the 30th anniversary of the Americans With Disability Act. Since becoming law, the ADA has helped to improve the quality of life for more than 50 million Americans with physical and mental disabilities. As a result, it is easier today for people with disabilities to find a job, to enter public buildings, and to live more independently in their communities. However, we still have a long way to go. There are many Americans with disabilities struggling in bureaucracies of dependence, denied the tools they need to fully access their communities and the workplace. President Bush is committed to tearing down the remaining barriers with the New Freedom Initiative.

New Freedom Initiative

On February 1st 2001, President George W. Bush announced his New Freedom Initiative to promote the full integration of people with disabilities into all aspects of American life. The goals of this comprehensive plan include expanding educational and employment opportunities; increasing access to assistive technologies and public accommodations; and providing accessible transportation and housing options for individuals with disabilities.

Type of disability amongst American workers
Find out more

Similar Observances

Read more about National Native American Heritage Day

National Native American Heritage Day

Find out the dates, history and traditions of National Native American Heritage Day

Read More
Read more about Korean American Day

Korean American Day

Find out the dates, history and traditions of Korean American Day.

Read More
Read more about National Day of Racial Healing

National Day of Racial Healing

The National Day of Healing is celebrated annually the day after the national holiday for Martin Luther King Jr.

Read More
Read more about Black History Month

Black History Month

Celebrate Black History Month and discover the pivotal moments and achievements that have shaped history and culture.

Read More
Explore more Diversity holidays

Other Observances on October 1st 2025

Read more about Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Every October, people all over the world show their support for people affected by breast cancer.

Read More
Read more about National Cyber Security Awareness Month

National Cyber Security Awareness Month

Find out the dates, history and background to National Cyber Security Awareness Month.

Read More
Read more about Día del Pasillo Ecuatoriano

Día del Pasillo Ecuatoriano

Find out the dates, history and traditions of Día del Pasillo Ecuatoriano

Read More
Read more about International Raccoon Appreciation Day

International Raccoon Appreciation Day 🦝

They aren't good pets, but also, they aren't total pests. Let's take a day to celebrate these adorable rascals.

Read More
All events on October 1st 2025