Disability Employment Awareness Month

About Disability Employment Awareness Month

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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.

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