NDEAM
National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)
October is NDEAM
Held annually, this October marks the 80th Annual National Disability Employment Awareness Month, led by the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy. It's true spirit lies in the many observances held at the grassroots level across the nation every year. Employers of all sizes and in all industries are encouraged to participate in NDEAM. The theme for 2025 is "Celebrating Value and Talent."
The most recent data from the American Community Survey (ACS) shows that the employment-to-population ratio for people with disabilities ages 18-64 in Colorado reached 50.7% in August 2025, with the national figure being only 41.8%.
Why this is important to us at DVR:
- We believe in the importance of employment and that it is a social determinant of health.
- We believe in the employability of all people with disabilities, and
- We believe that disability is an integral component of Employment for All.
Events
NDEAM Celebration
Join Lieutenant Governor Dianne Primavera, along with members from the State Rehabilitation Council, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR), and more, to celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month!
Celebrate staff, businesses, and employers who have championed employment for Coloradans with disabilities. Watch Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera's newest documentary, A Colorado for All - A Legacy of Accessibility. Meet and network with business owners, lawmakers, and folks with disabilities who have worked together to make Colorado one of the top states for people with disabilities.
- When: October 23, 2025, Thursday, at 10:00 a.m.
- Where: State Capitol Building, East Foyer, Denver
- RSVP for the NDEAM Celebration!
Pathways to Progress
Workforce Colorado Pikes Peak and the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation are hosting FOUR free virtual workshops in honor of National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Get the tools you need to build a modern, thriving business by creating a workplace where everyone has a pathway to success! ASL Interpretation will be provided. Please reach out to Linda Wray with any other accommodation requests.
- Reasonable Accommodation: Join Jana Burke from the Great Plains ADA to discover how simple changes can make a big impact. October 7, 2025; 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
- Digital Accessibility: Join Julie Brinkoff of the Great Plains ADA and the University of Missouri to make sure your digital presence is welcoming to everyone. October 16, 2025; 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
- Universal Design: Troy Baltshazort shows us how to build a better experience for all. October 21, 2025 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
- Skills-First Hiring: Erica Romero of the Pikes Peak Workforce Center shares how to find the best talent by focusing on what truly matters. October 30, 2025; 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
Celebrate Employment with Colorado Association of People Supporting Employment First (CO APSE)!
October 21, 2025 at 2:00 p.m.
Celebrate Employment will elevate employment stories from across Colorado by encouraging an interactive discussion between featured panelists with lived experience and attendees. Attendees will have the opportunity to discover how the featured panelists have found work meaningful to their lives and goals. Attendees will also be encouraged to share their own meaningful experiences and perspectives.
Celebrating Value and Talent with Mesa County Workforce and the Division of Voc Rehab
October 23, 2025 at 10:00 am or 1:00 p.m.
We’re live and in-person in Mesa County! Companies with a plan to hire and keep the talent you need have reduced turnover costs and higher earning potential. Join our Disability Awareness and Etiquette training to hire smarter, retain top performers, and strengthen workplace culture. Register now and share our flyer!