Center for Disability Resources (CDR) : Autism Society, National Disability Employment Awareness Month

Wednesday, October 09, 2024

Autism Society, National Disability Employment Awareness Month

The Autism Society of America is working to increase water safety skills across the Autism community to prevent wandering-related tragedies.

National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) is observed every October in the United States to celebrate the contributions of workers with disabilities and promote inclusive workplaces. Established by the U.S. Department of Labor in 1945, NDEAM aims to raise awareness about the value of a diverse workforce and the importance of equal employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

How We Are Celebrating NDEAM

The Autism Society’s Autism-Informed Organization course package aims to bridge the gap between the lived experiences of Autistic individuals and workplace culture, policies, and expectations by equipping employers with the knowledge to create more inclusive environments.

The Autism Society’s Becoming an Autism-Informed Organization course package aims to bridge the gap between the lived experiences of Autistic individuals and workplace culture, policies, and expectations by equipping employers with the knowledge to create more inclusive environments.

Registration is open for the first course in its Becoming an Autism-Informed Organization course package, “Understanding Autism and the Workplace,” made possible by our partner, Make Waves Family Foundation. This is an introductory course, designed to help individuals and organizations create inclusive workplaces for Autistic individuals. It covers the basics of Autism, neurodiversity, workplace challenges, and the importance of accommodations and disclosure to foster acceptance, understanding and positive change.

To celebrate October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month, the Autism Society is offering a 20% off off the price of registration. Use coupon code NDEAM20 at checkout to receive 20% off. The offer expires October 31, 2024.

Learn More & Enroll

In honor of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), we’re launching this blog series to highlight organizations supporting neurodiverse individuals in the workforce.

Disclosure refers to the decision by an Autistic individual to inform their employer, supervisor, or colleagues about their disability.

Disclosure can be a Catch-22 for Autistic adults: Many employers encourage employees to bring their whole selves to work, but when Autistic people do that, we often encounter unintentional bias because of misconceptions spread by media or narrow views of the diagnosis because someone’s “sister’s next door neighbor’s cousin’s son” is Autistic and no way could they work here.

The Autism Society’s Employment initiative creates connections – between Autistic individuals, caregivers, and employers – to advance access to resources, training, and opportunities for meaningful work experiences.

Interested in connecting with others who are passionate about promoting inclusive workplaces?

Save the date for the return of our National Conference:

Date: June 25-28, 2025

Location: Chicago, IL

Join us for an inspiring gathering of leading voices, innovators, and advocates from the Autism community, with a special focus on employment. The conference agenda will showcase and discuss innovative ideas, exploring ways the Autism community can work together to create connections, empowering everyone in the Autism community to live fully.