National Disability Employment Awareness Month began with the Presidential Proclamation of Public Law 100-630 (Title III, Sec 301a) in 1988. This law replaced National Employ the Handicapped Week, which had occurred annually since 1945 during the first week of October. The new law also recognized a change in terminology and replaced “handicap” with “disability.”

This effort to educate the American public about issues related to disability and employment actually began in 1945, when Congress enacted a law declaring the first week in October each year “National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week.” In 1962, the word “physically” was removed to acknowledge the employment needs and contributions of individuals with all types of disabilities. In 1988, Congress expanded the week to a month and changed the name to “National Disability Employment Awareness Month.”

“America’s People, America’s Talent, America’s Strength!” is the theme for this year's National Disability Employment Awareness Month, which will be observed nationwide in October. The theme captures the accomplishments highlighted in the 2007 progress report on President Bush’s New Freedom Initiative for people with disabilities. The awareness and understanding about independent living/support services is a major priority for millions of disabled Americans.

Please read the President’s Proclamation on National Disability Employment Awareness Month 2008.     Next »