At ERI, we’re excited to celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)! It’s the perfect time to highlight the importance of creating inclusive workplaces and to recognize the valuable contributions of workers with disabilities.
Each October, NDEAM brings attention to disability employment topics and celebrates the diversity and talent that individuals with disabilities bring to the workforce. While NDEAM is a national event, its real impact comes from the actions and events held by employers. Businesses of all sizes and industries can join in, making the workplace more inclusive and accessible for all.
How can you get involved? Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Review Your Policies
NDEAM is a great opportunity to review your company’s policies to ensure they promote an inclusive culture. Need help? Check out the Inclusion@Work toolkit—specifically the section on "Leading the Way: Inclusive Business Culture"—for practical tips on fostering inclusivity. - Launch an Employee Resource Group (ERG)
Consider starting a disability-focused Employee Resource Group (ERG) during NDEAM. ERGs create a supportive space for employees to connect and share experiences. If you already have one, use NDEAM as a chance to remind your team about it through announcements, info tables, or other communications. For guidance, explore the Toolkit for Establishing and Maintaining Successful ERGs. - Train Your Supervisors
Supervisors play a key role in building an inclusive workplace. During NDEAM, consider providing training to ensure they understand their role in supporting employees with disabilities. This can include reviewing accommodation policies or using easy-to-implement training materials from resources like the Campaign for Disability Employment. - Educate Your Employees
Show your commitment to disability inclusion by educating your employees. Host disability awareness trainings, casual discussions (like brown-bag lunches), or use ready-made resources like disability etiquette guides and videos. You can also partner with local disability organizations to provide workplace training. - Participate in Disability Mentoring Day
Disability Mentoring Day offers a fantastic opportunity for your company to support career development for youth with disabilities. Whether through hands-on activities, job shadowing, or ongoing mentoring, you can help shape the future workforce. While the official day is the third Wednesday of October, you can host your own event anytime that works for you. The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) has all the information you need to get started.
No matter how you choose to participate, your involvement in NDEAM helps build a more inclusive and equitable workforce—one that values the abilities of all people, every day.
For more ideas on how to continue promoting disability inclusion beyond NDEAM, check out Beyond NDEAM: Year-Round Employer Strategies for Advancing Disability Inclusion.
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