Statement by U.S. Secretary Of Labor Acosta on National Disability Employment Awareness Month

WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor is celebrating National Disability Employment Awareness Month throughout October. The Department's Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) previously announced the month-long theme is "America's Workforce: Empowering All."

"National Disability Employment Awareness Month is a time to recognize the importance of ensuring all Americans can access good, family-sustaining jobs," said U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta. "Americans with disabilities bring skills, talent, and dedication to our nation's workforce. Job creators who hire Americans with disabilities benefit from their expertise and perseverance, gaining a competitive edge.

"President Trump understands that the American workforce is strengthened by the participation of all Americans. With a record 6.9 million open jobs in the United States, we must renew our commitment to ensuring that all are empowered in the American workforce."

In 1945, Congress declared the first week of October as National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week. In 1962, the word "physically" was dropped to acknowledge individuals with all types of disabilities. In 1988, Congress expanded the week to a month and changed the name to NDEAM. In 2001, ODEP was established and formally began selecting the NDEAM theme.