October 7, 2019

by: Emily Hastings

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month!

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)! Reflecting a commitment to a robust and competitive American labor force, the 2019 NDEAM theme is “The Right Talent, Right Now.” Observed each October, NDEAM celebrates the contributions of workers with disabilities and educates about the value of a workforce inclusive of their skills and talents.

The history of National Disability Employment Awareness Month traces back to 1945, when Congress enacted a law declaring the first week in October each year “National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week.” In 1962, the word “physically” was removed to acknowledge the employment needs and contributions of individuals with all types of disabilities. In 1988, Congress expanded the week to a month and changed the name to National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

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