This annual event led by the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) promotes the benefits of hiring people with disabilities and celebrates the valuable contributions of people with disabilities to the workforce. The theme of the 2025 event is "Celebrating Value and Talent".
Unfortunately, according to the August 2025 Department of Labor Statistics reports, People with disabilities experience an 8.6% unemployment rate. That is nearly double the unemployment rate of their non-disabled peers. Even more startling, these statistics show that only 22.9% of people with disabilities are employed compared with 67.8% of the non-disabled population. (https://www.dol.gov/agencies/odep/research-evaluation/statistics) That is a huge untapped pool of valuable employees.
Throughout October we are asked to take action to raise awareness and celebrate the contributions of individuals with disabilities who contribute to the economic health of our communities. Some actions that you can take include the following:
- Share positive stories of people with disabilities thriving in their careers on social media to break down stereotypes and highlight their value to the workforce. Use hashtags like #NDEAM and #DisabilityAwareness in your social media posts.
- Talk with your employer about inclusive hiring practices. You can raise awareness about the benefits of hiring people with disabilities, including higher retention rates, diverse perspectives, and economic benefits.
- Support businesses that prioritize hiring people with disabilities and let them know that their inclusive practices were a factor in your decision.
- Talk with the professionals in your children’s schools about the importance of having peers with disabilities actively participating in the life of the school. Encourage the creation of an environment to discuss differences, which can help prevent prejudice.
And continue the work. While we take this October to spotlight disability employment, don’t stop on November 1st. Building a culture where everyone can thrive requires a year-round commitment to inclusion, accessibility, and equity.
Let's recognize the incredible value and diverse talents that workers with disabilities bring to our companies and economy. By actively seeking out and supporting this talent, we don't just fill a diversity quota—we build stronger, smarter, and more resilient organizations for the future.
Patricia Cottingham, EdD is the coordinator of Disability Rights Nebraska's Inclusive Education Lay Advocacy Program. Dr. Cottingham has been an advocate for people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities since 1995 when she began her career working with an adult provider of community-based services. Prior to that she taught middle school students and non-traditional adults attending a local business school. Her passion is for the inclusion of all people in their communities living, learning, and working together.
