National Disability Employment Awareness Month

National Disability Employment Awareness Month began with the Presidential Proclamation of Public Law 100-630 (Title III, Sec 301a) in 1988. This law replaced National Employ the Handicapped Week which had occurred annually since 1945 during the first week of October. The new law also recognized a change in terminology and replaced "handicap" with "disability."

The month is sponsored by President's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities.