National Disability Employment Awareness Month

OCTOBER IS NATIONAL DISABILITY AWARENESS MONTH

2025 is the 80th anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). Employment is a major life event—for those who are employed, it is often the first thing we tell people about ourselves; it helps define who we are.  Employment can grant financial security, allow an individual to fulfill their dreams and make contributions to the larger society.  For individuals with disabilities, employment can also provide a connection with the wider world, as is illustrated in memoirs such as “Sitting Pretty” and “Connecting Dots”. 

Unfortunately, gaining and maintaining employment can be challenging for people with disabilities, regardless of the type or severity of impairment, due to societal and physical barriers that impact the lives of disabled people. Statistics show that people with disabilities tend to have significantly higher unemployment rates or are underemployed, than people without disabilities. As of March 2025, only 23.9% of people with disabilities are employed, as opposed to 68.1% of people without disabilities. The unemployment rate for people with disabilities is 7.8% as opposed to 4.1% of the general population.  Should the unemployment rate increase, it can be anticipated that people with disabilities will be disproportionately impacted.  

Despite the discouraging statistics, the data does not reflect the number of disabled people who would like to have a career and achieve a level of independence comparable to their non-disabled peers.  Greater opportunity is possible for these individuals through systemic change and the implementation of more inclusive practices.  Removing barriers and providing accommodations is a worthwhile effort because employing people with disabilities is both a win for the community and a win for people with disabilities.  The Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP), under the U.S. Department of Labor, celebrates NDEAM as an opportunity to highlight the many important achievements and contributions of people with disabilities in the workforce.  The ODEP was officially established in 2001 but owes its origins to President Bill Clinton in 1998, who formed the Presidential Task Force on Employment of Adults with Disabilities. By integrating people with disabilities into the workforce, this department strives to break down barriers to independence, facilitate meaningful connection, and provide benefits to employers by leveraging the talents and experience of disabled employees. 

The future is uncertain - Economic conditions may change, federal funding for programs that support people with disabilities may fluctuate or be eliminated entirely, but progress towards a more equitable society is always possible.  Local disability advocates, educators, and organizations are working hard to inform decision/policy makers, dismantle biases, and create more accessible and inclusive spaces for all.   

At SJPL, we are committed to taking all reasonable steps to provide library access to members of the community.  We encourage you to explore our free materials, services, programs, and assistive technology for people with disabilities, as well as our economic and workforce development resources for employment seekers, small business owners, and entrepreneurs. 

For any questions about disability access, please contact accessibility@sjlibrary.org or 408-808-2355.  

Here are also a few materials available from the San Jose Public Library on disabilities and employment

Books on employment for people with disabilities.

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