National Disability Employment Awareness Month
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month
Observed annually in October, National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) celebrates the contributions of America’s workers with disabilities past and present, and showcases supportive, inclusive employment policies and practices. Recognizing the important role people with disabilities play in a diverse and inclusive American workforce, the theme for NDEAM 2024 “Access to Good Jobs for All.”
“In 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act marked a major achievement by removing barriers and allowing individuals with disabilities to engage in programs, services, and activities on an equal basis with those without disabilities. Since then, this legislation has led to many advancements and opportunities, highlighting the continued importance of making both physical and online spaces accessible to all.”
“As we celebrate this month, let us remain dedicated to raising awareness of accessibility issues and actively creating an inclusive environment where individuals with disabilities are welcomed, valued, and recognized as important contributors to our campus community.
President Sabah Randhawa
October 2024
During National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we celebrate the talent, impact, and legacy of people with disabilities across our Nation by working to make our country stronger, more prosperous, and more just. And we recommit to ensuring people with disabilities have every opportunity to pursue the American Dream.
President Biden
September 30, 2024
Download the Poster
Download a copy of the 2024 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).
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.
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: Access to Good Jobs for All (three separate webinars on October 1, 2 and 10 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.