National Disability Employment Awareness Month 2025: What the DOL Observance Was About
October marks National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), an annual observance recognizing the contributions of workers with disabilities.
For 2025, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) selected “Celebrating Value and Talent” as the official theme.
The 2025 observance also marked the 80th anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (U.S. Department of Labor, 2025).
Here’s what the Department of Labor said about the observance.
What was the 2025 NDEAM theme?
The official 2025 theme was: “Celebrating Value and Talent.”
According to the Department of Labor, the theme was chosen for the 80th anniversary of NDEAM and was intended to highlight the achievements and contributions of Americans with disabilities, both past and present (U.S. Department of Labor, 2025).
The observance took place throughout October.
What is National Disability Employment Awareness Month?
The Department of Labor describes NDEAM as an annual observance that honors the contributions of America’s workers with disabilities.
The agency also says the observance showcases supportive workplace policies and practices that benefit employees and employers (U.S. Department of Labor, 2025).
How did NDEAM begin?
The history of the observance dates back to 1945, when the United States first designated a national week recognizing the contributions of people with physical disabilities.
In 1988, Congress designated the commemoration as National Disability Employment Awareness Month.
The Department of Labor says the observance evolved to acknowledge the importance of increasing the number of people with disabilities in the workforce.
In 2001, ODEP was created and given responsibility for NDEAM, including selecting and helping promote the annual theme (U.S. Department of Labor, 2025).
Why was the 2025 observance significant?
The 2025 observance marked 80 years since the original national recognition began in 1945.
The Department of Labor also connected the 2025 theme with the lead-up to the United States’ 250th anniversary in 2026, with the observance highlighting the achievements of Americans with disabilities throughout the country’s history (U.S. Department of Labor, 2025).
From Awareness to Employment Opportunity
NDEAM recognizes the contributions of people with disabilities in America’s workforce.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When is National Disability Employment Awareness Month?
NDEAM is observed each October.
What was the NDEAM theme for 2025?
The Department of Labor selected “Celebrating Value and Talent.”
How long has NDEAM been observed?
The observance traces its history to 1945. The Department of Labor identified 2025 as its 80th anniversary.
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Sources & References
U.S. Department of Labor. (2025, June 26). U.S. Department of Labor announces ‘Celebrating Value and Talent’ as National Disability Employment Awareness Month’s 2025 theme. https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/odep/odep20250626
