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National Disability Employment Awareness Month: Shining a Light on Ability, Opportunity, and Inclusion

Oct 14

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October 2025 —As the nation observes the 80th anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) this October, communities and organizations are spotlighting the critical role that work plays in promoting independence, dignity, and inclusion for people with disabilities (U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Disability Employment Policy).


A Snapshot: Employment & Disability in America

While strides have been made in recent years, employment disparities remain stark. In 2024, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the employment-population ratio for people with a disability stood at 22.7 percent, compared to 65.5 percent for people without a disability (BLS, 2025). The unemployment rate for people with disabilities was 7.5 percent—nearly double that of those without disabilities (3.8 percent).


Over the past decade, the labor force participation rate for people with disabilities has shown gradual improvement. In 2023, it reached 24.2 percent, representing continued growth in opportunities for inclusive employment (BLS, 2024). By mid-2024, federal data suggested that the employment rate for working-age people with disabilities had risen to approximately 38 percent, reflecting long-term progress while underscoring persistent gaps (U.S. Department of Labor, 2024).


These figures highlight both the achievements and the challenges still facing workers with disabilities—demonstrating that while opportunity has expanded, barriers remain.


Why Employment and Community Integration Matter

Employment is about more than earning a paycheck. For people with disabilities, it represents a bridge to community integration, independence, and social belonging. A job fosters self-determination, builds skills, and encourages the kind of social connection that helps individuals feel valued in their communities.

When people with disabilities and those without work side by side, workplaces become spaces for growth, empathy, and mutual learning. Inclusion through employment helps break down stereotypes and shows that everyone has unique strengths to offer.


Patti Sebanc, Director of Employment Services at Sycamore Services, explains it best:

“When we recognize ability over disability, we unlock potential, foster inclusion, and build workplaces where everyone can thrive.”

Her words capture not only the spirit of NDEAM, but also the heart of Sycamore’s mission to build inclusive communities across Indiana.


Sycamore’s Commitment: Employment as a Pathway to Belonging

This month, Patti Sebanc reflects on her 33 years leading employment initiatives at Sycamore Services:

“This month, I reflect with pride and gratitude on my 33 years working in the Employment program at Sycamore Services. Over the past year alone, our team has supported more than 200 individuals in achieving integrated competitive employment—a milestone that speaks to the power of opportunity and inclusion. Watching the people we support grow in independence, gain new skills, and build meaningful relationships in their communities continues to be one of the most rewarding parts of my journey. Every success story reminds me why this work matters—and why we must keep advocating for a future where everyone has the chance to thrive.”
Patti Sebanc, Director of Employment, Youth, and Therapeutic Services
Patti Sebanc, Director of Employment, Youth, and Therapeutic Services

Sycamore’s Employment Services team goes far beyond job placement. Its comprehensive approach includes:

  • Person-centered planning — matching jobs to each person’s strengths, interests, and goals

  • Supported employment — offering coaching, training, and workplace supports

  • Employer partnerships — helping businesses build accessible, inclusive environments

  • Long-term support — ensuring individuals have the resources they need to grow and retain employment


Through these initiatives, Sycamore empowers people with disabilities not only to find employment, but also to build lasting, meaningful careers that deepen their connection to the community.


Looking Ahead: Building Inclusive Workplaces for All

As we celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we’re reminded that inclusion is a collective responsibility. Continued progress depends on:

  • Closing the employment gap between people with and without disabilities

  • Expanding access to high-quality, integrated jobs

  • Supporting accommodations and flexible work environments

  • Increasing employer education and inclusion training

  • Strengthening advocacy and inclusive hiring policies

For Sycamore Services, every job placement is more than a statistic—it’s a success story that changes lives, strengthens communities, and reinforces our shared belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive.


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