From Awareness to Action: How Employers Can Support NDEAM Year-Round

Each October, National Disability Employment Awareness Month shines a spotlight on the importance of creating inclusive, accessible workplaces. But once the banners come down and the campaigns wrap up, the real question remains: How can employers continue this commitment throughout the year?

Awareness Is the Beginning, Not the End

Awareness months serve as powerful reminders, but they’re just the starting line. True inclusion happens when awareness turns into consistent, intentional action - the kind that becomes woven into a company’s culture.

Employers who embrace inclusive practices year-round don’t just comply with regulations, they cultivate workplaces where people feel safe to show up as their authentic selves. And when that happens, innovation thrives, collaboration deepens, and teams perform at their best.

Practical Ways to Build Lasting Inclusion

Creating a culture of inclusion is ongoing work, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. Small, steady steps add up to meaningful change. Here are key ways to move from seasonal awareness to everyday action:

1. Start with Accessibility Audits – Review your hiring process, from job postings to interviews. Are they accessible to everyone? Consider providing materials in multiple formats, offering flexible interviews, and ensuring online applications meet accessibility standards.

2. Offer Ongoing Training – Disability inclusion training isn’t a one-time session. Regular workshops on etiquette, communication, and accessibility create understanding that sticks, and helps employees feel more confident engaging with colleagues of all abilities.

3. Evaluate Your Environment – Accessibility extends beyond ramps and restrooms. Think about lighting, noise levels, signage, and digital accessibility. These factors influence how comfortable and productive employees can be.

4. Build Inclusive Leadership – Leaders set the tone. When executives and managers model inclusion of people with disabilities and work to create that culture, it signals to everyone that accessibility and respect are core values, not optional extras.

5. Celebrate Differences – Recognize achievements, milestones, and diverse perspectives within your team. Highlight the value each person brings, and encourage open conversations about inclusion and growth.

6. Collaborate with Experts – Partnering with organizations like TVW, Inc. helps businesses access training, consultation, and placement services that make inclusion easier to implement and sustain.

The Business Case for Inclusion

Beyond the moral and social benefits, inclusive employment is good for business. Research consistently shows that companies with inclusive hiring practices have higher productivity, stronger employee engagement, and better reputations in their communities. Diverse teams approach challenges with creativity and empathy - qualities that drive innovation.

Employers who commit to accessibility also find that inclusion improves retention. Employees who feel valued and supported are more likely to stay, reducing turnover costs and strengthening organizational loyalty.

Making Inclusion a Daily Practice

The key to sustainable inclusion is consistency. It’s in the everyday actions - how job descriptions are written, how meetings are run, how feedback is given. Inclusion isn’t a project; it’s a practice that requires reflection, empathy, and adaptation.

Companies that truly thrive are those that make inclusion part of their DNA. They don’t wait for October to celebrate, they live it every day by ensuring that all employees, regardless of ability, have equal access to opportunity and growth.

A Call to Continue the Work

NDEAM gives us a moment to celebrate progress and highlight possibility, but it’s not a finish line. It’s an annual reminder that inclusion is a journey—one that we’re all responsible for continuing.

We’re proud to stand beside the employers, advocates, and community members who are building that future—one inclusive workplace at a time.

When we stay committed to awareness, accessibility, and action throughout the year, we move closer to a world where every person has the opportunity to work, contribute, and belong.