The Department of Labor announced today that its Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) has selected "Access to Good Jobs for All" as the theme for National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), which will be observed in October 2024.
NDEAM is an annual event that celebrates the contributions of disabled workers across the nation, and showcases inclusive policies and practices that benefit both employees and employers.
Assistant Secretary for Disability Employment Policy, Taryn M. Williams, explained the significance of this year's theme: “Our theme in 2024, ‘Access to Good Jobs for All,’ speaks to our commitment to expand the number of employment opportunities for people with disabilities and the quality of those opportunities. Good jobs change lives and all workers — including disabled people — deserve the opportunity to prepare for success in high-quality, good-paying jobs in workplaces free of discrimination.”
In 1945, a national week was first designated to recognize the contribution of people with physical disabilities. The commemoration evolved into NDEAM in 1988 when Congress acknowledged the importance of increasing the number of people with disabilities in the workforce. In 2001, ODEP was established and given responsibility for NDEAM, including selecting and promoting its annual theme.
ODEP's role extends beyond organizing NDEAM; it also provides leadership, develops policy initiatives, and awards grants aimed at increasing both the number and quality of employment opportunities available to people with disabilities.
