Disability History and Awareness Month is observed annually in October to increase respect and acceptance for people with disabilities, to bring a greater sense of pride to people with disabilities and celebrate the achievements of disabled people. The Washington State Legislature established the observance as a civic holiday in 2008 to promote the appreciation and inclusion of people with disabilities. In addition, National Disability Employment Awareness Month also takes place every October and celebrates the contributions of America’s workers with disabilities past and present and showcases supportive, inclusive employment policies and practices. In recognition of the important role people with disabilities play in a diverse and inclusive American workforce, the theme for NDEAM 2022 “Disability: Part of the Equity Equation.”
One out of five people in the United States has a disability. To help commemorate Disability History and Awareness Month and the vast contributions people with disabilities have made to our schools and communities, the Washington State Office of the Education Ombuds (OEO) created a video series centering student voice as a learning resource.