National Disability Employment Awareness Month
“In 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act achieved a significant milestone by eliminating obstacles and enabling individuals with disabilities to participate in programs, services, and activities on an equal footing with those without disabilities. Since then, this law has ushered in numerous improvements and possibilities, emphasizing the ongoing need to ensure accessible physical and online spaces for everyone.
“As we commemorate this month, let's stay committed to raising awareness about accessibility issues and actively fostering an inclusive environment where individuals with disabilities are embraced, honored, and integrated as esteemed and contributing members of our Western community.”
President Sabah Randhawa
October 2023
“People with disabilities have long strengthened our economy and expanded our Nation’s possibilities. During National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we recognize the immense contributions of disabled Americans, and we recommit to delivering America’s full promise of equal dignity, respect, and opportunity for every American.”
President Biden
September 29, 2023
National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) commemorates the many and varied contributions of people with disabilities to America’s workplaces and economy and is organized annually by the US Department of Labor, Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP).
How can you participate in NDEAM? There are lots of ways! Below are a few ideas, and there are more possibilities to explore on ODEP’s NDEAM website.
Download the Poster
Download a copy of the 2023 NDEAM poster. NDEAM is a great time to refresh bulletin boards in break areas or other locations by posting positive messages that promote a disability-inclusive workforce. Additional display materials include the "What Can YOU Do?" poster series.
Learn about the Campaign
Learn more about the Campaign for Disability Employment, an outreach effort funded by the US Department of Labor, Office of Disability Employment Policy, focused on promoting the hiring, retention, and advancement of people with disabilities through challenging common misconceptions about disability employment and encouraging employers and others to recognize the value and talent that people with disabilities add to America's workplaces and economy.
If you’re active on social media, check out the materials in the NDEAM Social Media Kit to help spread the word online and build awareness.
Create Accessible Content
Learn how to develop content that is accessible to individuals with disabilities, in compliance with University Policy 1600.07 Ensuring Accessible Information Technology. For guidance or assistance on creating accessible media, please review the captioning for live and pre-recorded media webpage.
Create Accessible Job Descriptions
Review this checklist for tips on developing job descriptions that are inclusive for applicants with disabilities. Job announcements and descriptions can play an important role in creating a pipeline of candidates that includes qualified people with disabilities. When done well, these documents serve as the first opportunity to communicate a culture of inclusion and workplace flexibility. Nevertheless, job announcements and descriptions often contain language or unnecessary details that may prevent people with disabilities from applying. Ensure job descriptions and job announcement postings are clear and include only truly essential tasks. See Encouraging Applicants with Disabilities: Job Descriptions and Announcements, developed by EARN (Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion).
Attend an EARN Webinar
Explore EARN’s archive of webinars and accompanying materials, including Creating a Disability-Inclusive Workplace: The Role of Accommodations
Attend a NACE Webinar
Join NACE on webinars for their Disability Signature Series: Advancing Access and Equity (two separate webinars on October 26 and November 1 from 10 am – 11 am PT)
Learn About Disability History
Despite the number of people with disabilities in the U.S. and the fact that they represent all races, classes and cultures, many people are unaware of the rich history of the disability movement. To fill this gap, some states require schools to teach about disability history each year. For an overview of major milestones in disability history and resources for educators to enhance awareness of it, see Disability History: An Important Part of America's Heritage.
Western is committed to supporting individuals with disabilities and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. Employees and job applicants in need of an accommodation should contact Human Resources Disability Services. Students needing disability accommodations for academic purposes are to contact the Disability Access Center. Individuals needing an accommodation to participate in a WWU sponsored public event or program should contact the hosting department and/or the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance.