October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month
What is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)?
NDEAM is held each October to commemorate the extensive contributions of people with disabilities to America’s workplaces and economy.
APSE Chapters and members celebrate NDEAM throughout October in various ways to bring awareness and education to the topic of Employment First.
The theme set for NDEAM 2022, “Disability: Part of the Equity Equation,” reflects the growing awareness and focus on disability as part of the larger Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion movement.
APSE's Declaration
APSE’s commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion is unwavering – across all of our work and our actions – and is central to our mission. We believe diversity unlocks innovation, which drives us to create a culture that celebrates and supports people of every disability, race/ethnicity, gender/gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religion, and lived experience.
- We will drive individual and organizational accountability and provide resources and tools, which will build the necessary capabilities to direct systemic change.
- We will foster an inclusive climate by listening and engaging with our diverse communities so that everyone feels welcomed, valued, and empowered to bring their authentic whole selves.
- We will build in coalition and develop opportunities for historically excluded individuals, groups, and voices to be leaders in our work.
What can you do NOW?
Sign up for APSE emails! National APSE will also host several events virtually throughout the month so ensure you receive our emails to help promote the word!
Join APSE for FREE October Webinars!
In celebration of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, join APSE for FREE #EmploymentFirst webinars! Held Wednesdays from 1-2 PM EST (12 CST, 11 MST, 10 PST), 10/12, 10/19, and 10/26!
How do I use the APSE NDEAM Media Kit?
The APSE NDEAM Media Kit offers tools, resources, and social media content to support state chapters, members, and other partners in celebrating NDEAM while also elevating Employment First and bringing awareness to the barriers people with disabilities may face in pursuing competitive, integrated employment.
There are links embedded in the document to chapter websites, events, and additional images, stories, and posts to help you in your efforts to highlight NDEAM 2022.
Direct link: https://sharesync.serverdata.net/us3/s/eKqO7IbXgQlDwR63rYU9hf003de098
Share Your Story!
You can look at your state chapter listing on apse.org to find success stories and resources to share.
Link to the form to share your story!
https://form.asana.com/?k=kdN6QL58LDU2_KtraaV9fQ&d=503018957001735
Here are a few examples!
- CIE Success Story: Meet Brandon, and Meet Luis and Lorie (photo above)
- Essential Worker Story: Meet Katie
We have a treasure trove of stories for you to share from 2020 to 2021. We are supporting real people in real jobs!
Do you have new stories to tell? APSE will help create the social media images and web page if you can share the story! Here’s a link to submit your thoughts or with someone you serve. Please make sure you partner with the person whose account you are sharing.
Where can I find more resources and information?
The Department of Labor’s Office on Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) offers a range of resources to help employers and other organizations plan NDEAM observances, including the official poster, sample articles, a press release, proclamation, and social media content.
Find more: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/odep/initiatives/ndeam/
Full poster visual descriptions are available on ODEP's website.
