National Disability Employment Awareness Month

For Seesaw Communities, NDEAM is more than an annual observance. It reflects a belief at the center of our work: people with developmental disabilities should have opportunities to build skills, pursue meaningful employment, contribute to their communities, and shape their own futures.

From a Week to a Movement

NDEAM has a history dating back more than 80 years. In 1945, Congress established National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week to recognize the contributions of people with physical disabilities.

The observance evolved with a broader understanding of disability. In 1962, “physically” was removed from its name to recognize people with all disabilities. In 1988, Congress expanded the observance from one week to the entire month of October, creating what is now known as National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

Today, NDEAM serves as an opportunity to recognize the contributions of workers with disabilities while encouraging employers and communities to create more inclusive workplaces.

Why Employment Matters

Employment is about more than earning a paycheck.

A meaningful job can provide opportunities to develop skills, build relationships, take on responsibility, make decisions, and become an active part of the community. For people with disabilities, however, the transition into employment can come with barriers to training, work experience, workplace support, and opportunities to demonstrate their abilities.

That is where inclusive employment becomes especially important.

NDEAM at Seesaw Communities

Since its founding, Seesaw Communities has worked to bridge the gap between learning and real-world independence.

Through Barista Training, Baking, Graphic Art, Independent Living Skills, and Supported Employment, students have opportunities to learn practical skills and apply them in real community settings. They practice communication, teamwork, problem-solving, responsibility, and workplace skills — while discovering their own strengths along the way.

Our goal is not simply to prepare someone for a job.

It is to create opportunities for people to experience what it means to work, contribute, belong, and be recognized for what they can do.

We see that value in everyday moments: a student serving their first customer, completing a task independently, working alongside a coworker, creating something they are proud of, or taking on a new responsibility.

These moments are part of a much bigger journey toward independence.

Celebrating Value and Talent

The 2026 NDEAM theme, “Celebrating Value and Talent,” highlights the skills, perspectives, and contributions that people with disabilities bring to the workplace and to their communities.

This October, Seesaw Communities invites our students, families, instructors, employers, community partners, and supporters to celebrate with us.

Learn. Share. Support inclusive employment. Recognize the talents around you. Most importantly, continue the conversation beyond October.

Because creating inclusive employment opportunities is not just an October commitment.

It is part of building a community where everyone has the opportunity to contribute, grow, and belong.

Let's Celebrate Together.

This NDEAM, let's recognize the value, celebrate the talent, and keep creating opportunities.

Building Skills. Creating Opportunities. Empowering Independence.