Happy Anniversary, Disability Employment Month!

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Traditionally, an 80th anniversary is called the “Oak Anniversary,” for symbolic strength and endurance. October 2025 marks the “Oak Anniversary” of the first official U.S. observance to promote disability employment—a principle that has endured and must continue to endure.

How It Started

Before World War II, disabled Veterans weren’t the substantial demographic they are today. Not because soldiers didn’t suffer disabling war injuries, but because most of those injuries proved fatal—a common side effect of being treated at makeshift hospitals with poor sanitation.

By the 1940s, however, military medicine (and technology for evacuating the wounded) had improved to the point that tens of thousands of soldiers came home with disabilities. While society was still a long way from paying much attention to disability rights, these Veterans couldn’t simply be ignored. Not when they were national heroes who had given their best for their country and the world.

In 1945, the first week of October was declared “National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week”—a week for encouraging employers to hire disabled Veterans and, by extension, others with physical disabilities.

young adult woman sitting at desk, with laptop in front of her smilling at camera

The Observance Evolves

It was a decades-long journey from that initial observance to the National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) of today. Here’s a partial timeline:

  • 1947: Harry Truman establishes the President’s Committee on National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week.
  • 1955: The President’s Committee on National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week becomes the President’s Committee on Employment of the Physically Handicapped.
  • 1962: “National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week” becomes “National Employ the Handicapped Week,” extending the focus to include people with less obvious disabilities.
  • 1970: Disability-rights activist Judy Heumann sues the New York City Board of Education for denying her a teaching license due to paralysis. She wins her case, becoming the first New York teacher to work from a wheelchair.
  • 1988: The “week” becomes a “month,” and the name “National Disability Employment Awareness Month” is used for the first time. The President’s Committee on Employment of the Physically Handicapped becomes the President’s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities.
  • 1990: The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates workplace accessibility, further expanding work opportunities.
  • 2001: The federal Office of Disability Employment Policy is created.

NDEAM Today

Attitudes toward disability employment have evolved as well. In 1945, hiring someone with a disability was largely regarded as doing them a favor—one they were well owed, perhaps, but a favor nonetheless.

Nowadays, disabled workers get much more credit for their actual qualifications, and for their unique perspective and insights. They deserve to be celebrated as well as assisted—and this year’s official theme for the month is “Celebrating Value and Talent.” Check your local-government website, Easterseals affiliate, school district, and/or public library for information on events in your area.

See also: National Disability Employment Awareness Month: Fact Sheet from Congress.gov

BridgingApps/ESGH and Disability Employment

At BridgingApps and Easter Seals Greater Houston, disability employment is more than an annual observation. It’s a year-round component of our mission. Check these links for information on our employment and training programs.

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