National Disability Employment
Awareness Month (NDEAM)
This year marks the 81st observance of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) and the 36th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
ABOUT NDEAM
NDEAM celebrates America’s workers with disabilities every October, and reminds employers of the importance of inclusive hiring practices in the workplace. This recognition started in 1945 when Congress declared the first week of October “National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week.”
In 1962, the title changed by dropping the word “physically” to include individuals with all types of disabilities.
The week was expanded to a month in 1988, and Congress changed the commemoration to National Disability Employment Awareness Month.
ADA31
The ADA is landmark civil rights legislation that works to increase access and opportunity for people with disabilities across society, including in the workplace. To learn more about the history of the ADA, view the 31-year timeline here.
