WOEMA  Recognizes National Disability Employment Awareness Month

Dear WOEMA Members and Colleagues,

In October 2025, we celebrate the 80th anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)—an annual recognition of the positive impact of people with disabilities in the American workforce. This yearly observance began in 1945 as a weeklong national celebration of the contributions of people with physical disabilities. In 1988, Congress expanded the commemoration to a full month, officially designating it as NDEAM to acknowledge the importance of increasing opportunities for people with disabilities, including those with mental health conditions and other nonobvious disabilities, in the workforce. In 2001, the Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) was created and entrusted with administering NDEAM, including selecting and promoting its annual theme.

Leading up to the celebration of America’s 250th anniversary in 2026, this year’s NDEAM theme and graphics also honor that national milestone. NDEAM 2025 recognizes the value and talent that American workers with disabilities bring to our workplaces and economy—highlighting their achievements both past and present. That’s the spirit behind this year’s official theme: “Celebrating Value and Talent.”

At WOEMA, the Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) Committee proudly joins this national celebration. The theme aligns perfectly with our mission to promote inclusive, equitable workplaces that empower individuals of all abilities to thrive. As occupational and environmental medicine professionals, we play a key role in supporting accessibility, advocating for workplace accommodations, and championing policies that advance opportunity and belonging.

This month, we encourage our WOEMA community to:

Recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of workers with disabilities.

Reflect on ways to reduce barriers—physical, procedural, and systemic—that limit participation.

Commit to fostering workplaces grounded in respect, inclusion, and universal access.

Together, let us honor the legacy of NDEAM and continue to celebrate value and talent—not just this month, but every day—as we work toward a more inclusive and equitable future for all.

With appreciation,
WOEMA Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) Committee
Western Occupational and Environmental Medical Association (WOEMA)