Introduction
In the United States, it’s estimated that up to 1 in 4 adults, or about 27% of adults, have some type of disability and within this group, it’s believed that 10% of the population has a medical condition that falls under the category of an “invisible disability”. These individuals often face significant barriers to employment, which can impact their health and well-being. National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) is an opportunity to address these disparities and promote health equity.
What is National Disability Employment Awareness Month?
Around the world, more than 1.3 billion individuals are living with some form of disability. This equates to about one in every six people and almost everyone will temporarily or permanently experience disability at some point in their life. Every year, NDEAM, overseen by the Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) under the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), honors the achievements of workers with disabilities across the nation and highlights the benefits of inclusive policies and practices for both employees and employers.
Throughout National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), the valuable skills and contributions that employees with disabilities make to the economy and workforce are honored. NDEAM, serves as a reminder of DOL’s ongoing commitment to ensuring quality employment opportunities for workers with disabilities throughout the year, not just in October. For 2024, the NDEAM’s theme “Access to Good Jobs for All”, focuses on increasing both the quantity and quality of job opportunities available to individuals with disabilities.
Employment as a Social Determinant of Health
Employment is a key factor influencing health, offering income, health insurance, social interactions, and a sense of accomplishment. However, barriers such as a lack of training, disability symptoms, need for accommodations at the job or a specific type of work, and legal issues such as employment discrimination can hinder job opportunities.
Strategies that Support Equitable Employment 
Strategies such as Customized Employment and Supported Employment (SE) are designed to assist people with disabilities in achieving Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE) and positive health related outcomes. Both strategies are beneficial in promoting access to good jobs for everyone by cultivating an inclusive workforce, addressing individual needs, providing continuous support, and advocating for supportive policies.
The Good Jobs Initiative and Meaningful Employment
The Good Jobs Initiative, driven by the Department of Labor, aims to improve job quality and guarantee that all workers can find good jobs devoid of discrimination and harassment. This initiative represents a collective effort to build a more favorable workplace for all. It is dedicated to providing essential information to workers, employers, and the government. This coincides with “meaningful employment”, which in the context of disability refers to work that is not only a source of financial independence but also a sense of fulfillment and inclusivity.
Supported by customized and supported employment strategies, meaningful employment allows employees with disabilities to contribute their unique abilities and talents to the workforce. These strategies help to foster an inclusive work environment where persons with disabilities can actively participate and collaborate with non-disabled co-workers. In the context of NDEAM’s “Good Jobs for All” initiative, individuals with disabilities and providers have continually advocated for employment opportunities that meet expectations of meaningful employment with the goal of creating an environment where individuals with disabilities, who are seeking not just jobs but careers, have equal opportunities.
The Impact of Job Stability and Workplace Environment on Health
Job stability, workplace environment, compensation, and job demands can all affect an individual’s health. NDEAM serves as a reminder for us to persistently back and champion policies and initiatives that promote inclusivity in the workplace, such as maintaining funding and executing supported employment programs, which are critical in assisting individuals with disabilities who need these services to attain competitive and integrated employment. “Good Jobs for All” underscores a commitment to inclusivity and equality that not only enriches our workplaces but also creates a society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and succeed.
Working towards a Future of Greater Health Equity
While we commemorate NDEAM and strive for a future where everyone, irrespective of their disabilities, can have rewarding careers and quality jobs, we are simultaneously paving the way for enhanced health equity.
Consider these actions to promote NDEAM’s mission of enhancing job prospects for people with disabilities. Such an investment can promote health equity and honor the achievements of employees with disabilities all year round:
- Foster cross-sector collaboration to develop strategies that promote workplace equity for individuals with disabilities. This collective effort extends beyond the celebration of NDEAM, aiming for a future where every individual, regardless of disability status, has access to good jobs, fulfilling careers, and equitable health outcomes.
- Educate and Implement for NDEAM. Incorporate research on health equity into training and curricula, emphasizing NDEAM’s importance. Educate future leaders on relevant laws and develop inclusive, health-focused workplace strategies aligned with NDEAM and the Good Jobs Initiative. With the appropriate support and employers who possess an inclusive mindset, individuals with disabilities have the potential to flourish.
- Invest in Health Equity. Allocate resources to research, initiatives, and programs that aim to improve health outcomes for individuals with disabilities through employment. This investment advances health equity and celebrates the contributions of workers with disabilities throughout the year.
Interested in learning more?
- Check out our podcast episodes:
- Check out our webinar Access for All: Centering the Perspectives of Individuals with IDD in Health Equity
- Find more resources on Health Equity for disability populations in our resource library