One in Four: Navigating Disability and Inclusive Workplaces
Did you know that 1 in 4 adults in the U.S. have a disability, and more than 1 in 4 young adults today will likely face some form of disability before reaching retirement age? Disability is not something that happens to “someone else”—it’s a reality that touches all of us, directly or indirectly, and building inclusive, supportive workplaces should be a priority for everyone. National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), recognized every October since 1988, celebrates the contributions of disabled workers and promotes the importance of creating equitable opportunities in the workplace. The history of NDEAM dates back even further, to 1945, when the first national week recognized the contributions of workers with physical disabilities was established. Today, it has evolved into a month-long commemoration for individuals with visible and invisible disabilities that continues to push for more inclusive work environments.
This year’s NDEAM theme, “Access to Good Jobs for All,” reflects the urgent need to expand and improve job opportunities for people with disabilities. As we push for equity across the workforce, it’s clear that we must do more to ensure disabled workers are not left out of the conversation. One promising approach is through inclusive apprenticeship programs that make pathways to good jobs more accessible for disabled workers. An example is the work being done by the Urban Institute’s Partnership for Inclusive Apprenticeship Project, which focuses on designing and implementing apprenticeship programs that support the inclusion of people with disabilities and other underrepresented groups. These programs provide on-the-job training that opens doors to careers that have historically been out of reach for many. It’s an example of how we can build a workforce that doesn’t just include but empowers people with disabilities.
At ReWork the Bay, we echo this sentiment by advocating for employment equity and creating spaces where every worker, regardless of ability, can thrive. As we celebrate NDEAM, we’re reminded that making work truly accessible is not only a moral imperative but also an economic one—because when all workers can fully participate, everyone benefits. To learn more about how ReWork the Bay is driving systematic change to create equitable employment opportunities for all, including individuals with disabilities, visit our Systems Change Projects section on our website.
In Solidarity,
Brianna, Janelle, + Rob
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