In honor of the achievements of America’s workers with disabilities past and present, I will soon introduce a resolution that recognizes October 2025 as National Disability Employment Awareness Month in Pennsylvania.

October 2025 marks the 80th Anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). Across America, millions of people live and work with disabilities, while many others will obtain a disability at some point during their lives. More than 30 years after the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), individuals with disabilities, including numerous veterans, continue to make immeasurable contributions to the workforce.

The theme for this year’s NDEAM has been designated as “Celebrating Value and Talent” by the Office of Disability Employment Policy which celebrates all Americans – including people with disabilities – and the value they add to communities and workplaces. As a member of the disability community, I am familiar with the stigma and misconceptions regarding people with disabilities in the workplace. In turn, NDEAM is important as a time to emphasize the need for real opportunities for meaningful work and to help the public understand our value as workers.

To further highlight our commitment to achieving equitable employment for all people across the Commonwealth, I am hosting Disability Employment Awareness Day in the Capitol Rotunda from 9 AM to 1 PM on Tuesday, October 28th together with stakeholders, advocates, and organizations that support people with disabilities. I encourage my colleagues and the general public to stop by throughout the day. Please take a moment to listen to our stories and learn how you can be an ally to people with disabilities in the workplace and beyond.   

By designating October 2025 as National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we encourage all Pennsylvanians to recognize the important contributions of Pennsylvanians with disabilities and encourage all citizens to ensure such individuals are afforded equal opportunities in their workplaces.

Please join me in co-sponsoring this important resolution.