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National Disability Awareness/Empowerment Month

PVCC observes Disability Awareness/Empowerment Month (nationally celebrated as National Disability Employment Awareness Month) to recognize our differences, including differences in ability.

National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)

 

NDEAM is held every October to honor the many contributions people with disabilities make to America’s workplaces and economy and to showcase inclusive workplace policies that benefit both employers and employees.

Each year, a theme is selected by the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) to help employers, disability advocates, and others plan their observances. The NDEAM theme for 2024 is “Access to Good Jobs for All.” 

Visit ODEP's website to learn more about NDEAM and find ideas for how your organization can celebrate. You can also download the NDEAM poster and organizations can customize the NDEAM poster with their name, logo, and photos.

Purpose

PVCC observes Disability Awareness/Empowerment Month (nationally celebrated as National Disability Employment Awareness Month) to recognize our differences, including differences in ability. National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) is celebrated every October  in the United States to raise awareness of the employment needs and contributions of people with disabilities. The month also aims to increase the number and quality of employment opportunities for people with disabilities and to promote inclusivity in the workplace.

History

National Disability Employment Awareness Month was declared in 1988 by the United States Congress for the month of October to raise awareness of the employment needs and contributions of individuals with all types of disabilities. The month is an extension of "National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week" originally observed during the first week of October beginning in 1945.[1] In 1962 the word "physically" was removed from that week to acknowledge the employment needs and contributions of individuals with all types of disabilities. Americans observe National Disability Employment Awareness Month by paying tribute to the accomplishments of the people with disabilities whose work helps keep the nation's economy strong and by reaffirming their commitment to ensure equal opportunity for all citizens.[2]

2024 National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM): Access to Good Jobs for All