10/09/2026
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM).
It’s a time to recognize the contributions of workers with disabilities and to look at what businesses can do to make employment more accessible and inclusive.
Accessibility isn’t just about physical spaces. It’s also about how we communicate, conduct meetings, share information, and create opportunities for people to participate.
Here are a few ways businesses can make their workplaces more accessible:
1. Make sure everyone can hear.
Use a microphone when speaking to groups, even when you think your voice carries well.
2. Rethink participation.
Instead of asking people to “stand up if…” give everyone options to participate, such as raising a hand, responding to a poll, or simply answering a question.
3. Build flexibility into meetings.
Virtual options, camera-off participation, and other flexible meeting practices can help employees manage disability-related barriers while staying connected.
4. Put information in writing.
Providing interview questions, meeting information, or other important details in advance can support people with auditory processing disabilities and others who benefit from written information.
5. Keep communication clear.
Use plain language, logical structure, accessible fonts, headings, and shorter sentences. Avoid unnecessary jargon and abbreviations.
6. Use inclusive language.
Choose terms like “accessible” rather than “handicapped” when referring to spaces, parking, facilities, or services.
7. Ask, don’t assume.
If someone has a disability, ask whether they need assistance rather than assuming they do. Respect their answer.
8. Speak directly to the person.
When someone with a disability is accompanied by another person, address the person with the disability directly unless they ask you to do otherwise.
9. Train your team.
Make sure employees understand the ADA, accessibility standards, and how to create a respectful and inclusive workplace.
10. Make accessibility ongoing.
Accessibility shouldn’t be a one-time project. Build it into workplace planning, policies, events, technology, and everyday decision-making and include people with disabilities in those conversations.
This Disability Employment Awareness Month, move beyond awareness and take action to make your workplace more accessible. An accessible workplace is one where people with disabilities have the opportunity to participate, contribute, grow, and succeed.
