23 percent of all employees in the United States identify as disabled, with only 30% of these disabilities being visible to others. October is National Disability Employment Month (NDEM for short). NDEM seeks to not only shed light on disabled folks but increase inclusivity through education to workplaces.. Each year NDEM has a theme, 2024’s theme is “Access to Good Jobs for All.”
Originally started in 1945, NDEM was previously named Physically Handicapped Week, but the name was later changed to National Disability Employment Month to include non-physical disabilities and be more inclusive in language. Today we honor people with disabilities throughout October and celebrate the accomplishments they have achieved in the workplace.
At NWABA, we believe that employees with disabilities bring invaluable perspectives and strengths to our workplace, enhancing the support we provide to our clients. In fact, it is essential for ABA companies, especially those working with autistic individuals, to prioritize the hiring of disabled employees.
By including autistic and disabled employees in the workforce, the field of ABA grows in both compassion and knowledge. Their lived experiences offer unique insights that help advance our understanding and shape more empathetic practices. Disabled employees don’t just contribute to the workplace—they drive innovation, foster inclusion, and pave the way for more equitable environments.
Although Disability Employment Month only extends through October, NWABA continues to honor, listen, and hire employees with disabilities. Look below for even more information about disability in work place, action items, and resources.
Get involved:
- Continue to educate yourself on what disability is, what it can look like (visible and invisible)
- Advocate for inclusive hiring processes that are inclusive and check in with employers if you notice gaps in inclusion
- Listen to employees and coworkers about their disabilities and provide empathy
Resources:
https://www.dol.gov/agencies/odep/initiatives/ndeam : take a look at the Department of Labor and their message for NDEM
https://askjan.org/topics/disetiq.cfm learn about disability etiquette and ways to make the workplace more accessible and inclusive.
https://www.ted.com/talks/judith_heumann_our_fight_for_disability_rights_and_why_we_re_not_done_yet?subtitle=en. : Ted talk on disability rights and areas did improvement
Sources:
https://www.dol.gov/agencies/odep/initiatives/ndeam
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