National Disability Employment Awareness Month 2025

Celebrating Value and Talent:
National Disability Employment Awareness Month 2025

Every October, National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) shines a light on the many contributions people with disabilities bring to the workforce. This October honors the 80th anniversary of NDEAM and the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)—two milestones that mark decades of progress toward a more inclusive, equitable workplace.

The 2025 theme, “Celebrating Value and Talent,” is both a reminder and a call to action: people with disabilities have always been essential to America’s workforce, and we must continue creating spaces where everyone can thrive.

Why This Year Matters

As our nation prepares to mark its 250th anniversary in 2026, this year’s NDEAM theme aligns with that larger milestone by honoring the role of people with disabilities in building America’s future. It gives us pause to reflect on past achievements, highlight current successes, and reaffirm our commitment to accessible, inclusive employment for all.

The ADA, passed 35 years ago, was a transformative moment in our nation’s history. By prohibiting discrimination and requiring reasonable accommodations, the law opened doors for millions of individuals with disabilities to pursue meaningful employment and careers. Yet, the work is far from finished. 

At Elwyn, we know people with disabilities bring heart, talent, and strength to every workplace. For more than 170 years, our mission has been to support individuals in reaching their full potential, and employment is a vital part of that journey.

Elwyn’s Commitment to Inclusive Employment

Through our Supported Employment Services, part of our Adult Day Programs, we provide individualized and small-group support to help people secure and sustain competitive, community-based jobs. Our employment specialists partner closely with both job seekers and employers to ensure the right fit, offering:

• Job Development and Placement – Identifying opportunities that match each person’s strengths, interests, and goals.
• Ongoing Coaching and Mentoring – Building confidence and skills while supporting employers in creating inclusive environments.
• Workplace Evaluation and Support – Ensuring long-term success by tailoring strategies to meet the needs of both employee and employer.

The goal is simple yet powerful: to help individuals with disabilities build meaningful careers where they can grow, contribute, and succeed.

To learn more about Elwyn’s Supported Employment Services, please visit www.elwyn.org or

www.elwyn.org/services/intellectual-and-developmental-disabilities-services