National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) is held each October to commemorate the many and varied contributions of people with disabilities. It stands as a yearly reminder that as a society, we must not only embrace the talents and skills of people with disabilities, but fight for access and equity in the workplace and in communities. This year’s theme is, “Advancing Access and Equity.” Here at Valley, we recognize that individuals with disabilities often experience marginalization in the workplace and as an organization we are committed to breaking down those barriers as part of our Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion commitments. Learn more about NDEAM.
Disability Awareness Events
- Oct. Peer Group Meeting – Disability Empowerment Center (Recurrent monthly event)
- Know Your Rights – Equal Pay and Opportunities Act – Work source Online Event (Oct. 18, 2-3 PM)
- Free Screening and Director Q&A – Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution
- Nov. 18, 1 PM at The Wyncote NW Forum 1119 8th Ave (Entrance off Seneca St.) Seattle, Washington 98101
- Live captioning and ASL interpretation provided
Historical/Background
- National Disability Employment Awareness Month, 2022 | The White House
- ESDWAGOV – Governor’s Committee on Disability Issues & Employment (GCDE)
- National Disability Employment Awareness Month – October 2023 – National Today
Resources and Services
- King County, Washington – Disability Resources
- Disabilities – Aging & Disability Services for Seattle & King County (agingkingcounty.org)
- Disability Empowerment Center
- Disability Organizations | Washington State Department of Health
- Intentionalist – Disability-owned Small Businesses
- Washington State Resources for Parents of Children and Youth with Disabilities
- Mental Health Conditions in the Workplace and the ADA
- Mental Health by the Numbers—these numbers are also powerful tools for raising public awareness, stigma-busting and advocating for better healthcare.
Adaptive Recreation
- Stay Active with a Disability: Quick Tips – MyHealthfinder | health.gov
- Increasing Physical Activity among Adults with Disabilities | CDC
- Activities & Recreation: Resource Guide: The Arc of King County
- Adaptive Recreation Programs | City of Kent (kentwa.gov)
- Specialized Programs for People with Disabilities – Parks | seattle.gov
- Peloton Releases Adaptive Training Collection & Classes with Logan Aldridge – Peloton Buddy (pelobuddy.com)
Books
- Demystifying Disability: What to Know, What to Say, and How to be an Ally|Emily Ladau
- Disability Visibility Anthology|Alice Wong
- Being Heumann | Personal Story & Fighting Education|Judithheumann
- The Neurodiverse Workplace|Victoria Honeybourne
- Divergent Mind: Thriving in a World That Wasn’t Designed for You|Jenara Nerenberg
Podcasts
- The Accessible Stall
- Disability Visibility Project
- Barrier Free Futures
- Ouch!… the cabin fever Podcast
- Best Disability Podcasts [2023] Top 16 Shows – Goodpods
Please note that the listings above are for informational purposes only and are not an endorsement.
