This year—2025—marks the 80th anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). The nation first officially recognized the contributions of people with physical disabilities in a national week of observance in 1945. Designated by Congress as NDEAM in 1988, the commemoration evolved to acknowledge the importance of increasing the number of people with disabilities, including those with mental health conditions, in the workforce. In 2001, ODEP was created and given responsibility for administering NDEAM, including selecting and helping promote its annual theme.
As part of the celebration of America’s 250th anniversary in 2026, this year’s NDEAM observance will recognize the value and talent American workers with disabilities add to our workplaces and economy and highlight their achievements both past and present. That’s the spirit behind this year’s official theme: “Celebrating Value and Talent.”
2025 NDEAM poster and other resources are coming soon.