It’s Not the Disability That Matters, It’s the Ability: Celebrating 80 Years of National Disability Employment Awareness Month
This October 2025, we celebrate the 80th anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), an annual recognition of the positive impact of people with disabilities in the American workforce.
This observance began in 1945 as a weeklong national celebration of workers with physical disabilities. In 1988, Congress expanded it to what we now know as NDEAM, reflecting the importance of creating opportunities for people with all disabilities, including mental health conditions and other nonobvious disabilities. In 2001, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) was established and given responsibility for NDEAM, including selecting and promoting its yearly theme.
Leading up to America’s 250th anniversary in 2026, this year’s theme ties history and progress together. The 2025 NDEAM theme is “Celebrating Value and Talent”. It reminds us that workers with disabilities have always been, and continue to be, essential to the strength of our workplaces and economy.
Why Hiring People with Disabilities is Good for Business
Hiring people with disabilities isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s smart business. Inclusive hiring brings fresh perspectives, innovation, and resilience to teams. Employers who embrace inclusion see stronger collaboration, higher morale, and access to a highly motivated talent pool that is often overlooked.
Workers with disabilities are ready and eager to show what they can do. By giving them that chance, you’re not just opening a door, you’re gaining loyal, dedicated team members who add real value to your business.
Don’t Fear Accommodation
One of the biggest myths about hiring workers with disabilities is that accommodations are expensive or difficult. The truth? Most accommodations cost little or nothing, and the payoff in productivity and employee satisfaction is enormous. Accommodations aren’t something to fear. They’re a tool to unlock potential.
Partnering with Texas Workforce Solutions-Vocational Rehabilitation Services
Employers in our nine-county region don’t have to go it alone. Our partners at Texas Workforce Solutions-Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VR) are co-located in many of our workforce centers and are ready to help.
VR connects job seekers with disabilities to opportunities, and provides guidance and support for employers. One powerful program they offer is Paid Work Experience, which allows employers to “test drive” a candidate while the state covers their wages for several weeks. It’s truly a win-win: businesses get to evaluate talent without financial risk, and candidates gain the chance to demonstrate their abilities in a real-world setting.
Inclusion Pays Off
Inclusive workplaces don’t just check a box, they thrive. Diverse teams solve problems faster, connect better with customers, and bring fresh ideas that spark growth. When you invest in inclusion, you’re investing in your bottom line.
This NDEAM, let’s celebrate 80 years of progress by continuing to focus on what matters most: ability, value, and talent. Together, we can build workplaces where everyone can shine.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area and our partners at Texas Workforce Solutions-Vocational Rehabilitation Services are here to help your business grow through inclusion.
- Contact your local WSRCA workforce center to connect with a representative.
- Explore our website and services to learn more.
- Ask about Paid Work Experience opportunities to explore new talent at no cost to your business.
Let’s celebrate 80 years of NDEAM by recognizing the value, ability, and talent in our communities and making sure opportunity is open to everyone.
