National Disability Employment Awareness Month: Celebrating Value and Talent

October 2025

10/1/25 | Deputy Commissioner Evan Rowe

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). It is a time to honor and bring to the forefront the contributions of workers with disabilities, who remain underrepresented in our workforce. It is a time to reaffirm our commitment to inclusive workplaces and communities, not just this month, but year-round. NDEAM’s theme for 2025, “Celebrating Value and Talent,” recognizes the value that all workers with disabilities add to our workplaces and economy.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of NDEAM, observed every October since 1945.  Bringing awareness to disability employment matters: One in four U.S. adults and 12% of Minnesotans (more than half a million) live with a disability.

DEED is home to many programs that help Minnesotans with disabilities find and keep employment. Our teams at  Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS) and State Services for the Blind (SSB) provide a full array of services for jobseekers and employers.

Each year we serve thousands of people with disabilities who are looking for jobs. Our services include career planning, training and skills development and learning about workplace rights and accommodations, and they are tailored for each individual. We support Minnesotans at all stages of their careers, whether they’re looking for entry-level or early career positions, or whether they’re highly skilled professionals like engineers, lawyers and scientists.

We also support businesses in attracting and promoting workers with disabilities. Adjustments as simple as considering whether a position should be full- or part-time, adapting job requirements, adding accessibility features and learning about accommodations can attract the best candidates.

Throughout October, I invite you to read more on the CareerForce blog about the value and talent of Minnesotans with disabilities, as well as the employers who strive to build inclusive communities where everyone can share their talents and find economic success.

If you have a disability and are ready to look for job opportunities, connect with VRS. If you are blind, low vision, or DeafBlind, connect with SSB.

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