National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)

The Governor’s Council on Disability celebrates October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) with this virtual display, providing information and resources to raise awareness about the importance of workplace inclusion of people with disabilities.

Please join us by recognizing the importance of the contributions of people with disabilities to the workforce, and learning about disability history and awareness.

2026 NDEAM Theme: Celebrating Value and Talent

This year—2026—marks the 81st anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM).

This year’s NDEAM is “Celebrating Value und Talent”, carrying forward the spirit of last year’s celebration in honor of America’s 250th birthday. It recognizes the skills and contributions Americans with disabilities add to our workplaces, communities, and economy and highlights their achievements both past and present.

 

Background & History of NDEAM

National Disability Employment Awareness Month celebrates the ingenuity people with disabilities bring to America's workplaces. Observed each October, NDEAM celebrates the contributions of America’s workers with disabilities past and present and showcases supportive, inclusive policies and practices that benefit employees and employers alike.

• U.S. Department of Labor announces 2026 NDEAM theme - News release
• Disability History: An Important Part of America’s History
• Disability & Employment: A Timeline Commemorating 30 years of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Missouri celebrates NDEAM

 

• Join us for the “Why Mental Health Matters in the Workplace” statewide NDEAM celebration on October 1
• GCD Newsletter, October 2025
• Accessibility Guide: A toolkit for accessible communications in the workplace (public use)
• Accessibility Guide: A toolkit for accessible communications in the workplace (state government use)
• Governor Kehoe issues proclamation designating the month of October 2025 as Disability Employment Awareness Month in Missouri
• Missouri as a Model Employer initiative
• Educational presentations about disability awareness and employment of people with disabilities. For more information or to schedule a presentation, please contact gcd@oa.mo.gov
• Disability History and Awareness – A Resource Guide for Missouri
• GCD Poster Contest celebrating NDEAM - Disability Employment Awareness Month Poster Contest
• Providing mentoring opportunities for people with disabilities through GCD Youth Transition programs
• Disability Awareness and People First Language tips
• Social Media posts to raise awareness about NDEAM and promote inclusion of people with disabilities in the workforce. Follow GCD on Facebook at Facebook.com/MissouriGCD/ and X at X.com/MOGCD

Ideas to celebrate NDEAM

• Resources to participate in the NDEAM celebration

Employment Resources for Missourians with disabilities:

• Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development
  
  • Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grant
• Missouri Job Centers
• Missouri Department of Mental Health – Employment Services
• Missouri Department of Social Services – Rehab Services for the Blind
• Missouri Registered Apprenticeships
• Missouri Vocational Rehabilitation (VR)
  
• Missouri SkillUp Program

Other Resources:

• Governor’s Council on Disability
• EARN: Employers Assistance and Resource Network
• JAN: Job Accommodation Network
• Job Accommodation Network – Workplace Accommodation Toolkit
• Missouri Assistive Technology
• Great Plains ADA Center

Public Service Announcement Campaigns:

Please visit Whatcanyoudocampaign.org for downloadable versions of the Campaign for Disability Employment’s television PSAs:

• Mental Health at Work: What Can I Do?
• I Can
• Because
• Who I Am
• Working Works