National Disability Employment Awareness Month 2019

What is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)?

National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) is held and observed each October. NDEAM is a national campaign created by the U.S. Department of Labor and Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) that helps raise awareness about disability employment issues.

NDEAM 2019 Theme

The theme for 2019 is "The Right Talent, Right Now". The 2019 NDEAM theme emphasizes the essential role people with disabilities play in America’s workforce.

History of NDEAM

Here is a short timeline of events for NDEAM.

NDEAM has been formed in 1945, when the Congress made a bill into 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." Upon its establishment in 2001, ODEP assumed responsibility for NDEAM and has worked to expand its reach and scope ever since.

Additional Resources:

• NDEAM