Every October, the National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) celebrates America’s workers with disabilities and the vast contributions they have brought to the workplace. This year’s NDEAM theme is “Advancing Access and Equity.” The NDEAM website has more information and provides some cool posters, including one that is customizable. It also offers great ideas for employers, educators, government agencies, disability related organizations and federal agencies.
In addition to NDEAM, the Office of Disability Employment (ODEP) is also recognizing the milestone legislation of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as it celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2023. “Advancing Access and Equity: Then, Now and Next” recognizes the importance that the Rehab Act has made in the federal sector since its passage. And importantly, the Rehab Act laid the foundation for the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), which provides even more comprehensive coverage. These laws continue to advance equity and opportunity for employees with disabilities.
For Your Information:
Disability Statistics
June 2023 Disability Employment Statistics Ages 16 years and over:
Labor Force Participation Rate
- People with disabilities: 24.6%
- People without disabilities: 68.6%
Unemployment Rate
- People with disabilities: 6.9%
- People without disabilities: 3.6%