Disability Resource Center

Disability Awareness Month

Help Us Celebrate at October Events

Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025 • Disability Resource Center Open House

10 a.m. in Building 5400

Come learn about the resources and services available to support students with disabilities at the Disability Resource Center. Have questions? Connect directly with DRC staff and faculty to explore how we can support student success.

Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025 • Speaker Haben Girma

11 a.m. in Appreciation Hall (1501) 

Come hear from Haben Girma, the first Deafblind graduate of Harvard Law School and a fierce advocate for disability justice. Haben will share her story, how she navigates barriers with creativity and humor, and why disability inclusion benefits everyone. Don’t miss this chance to be inspired and learn together! Watch a preview video on YouTube for why we are celebrating Haben at Foothill this month. Read more about her story at habengirma.com. Photo Credit: Darius Basha

More Events in our Local Communities

• 2025 Disability Awareness Day, City of San Jose
• October 25 Disability, Resilience, and Justice
• San Francisco Disability Cultural Center 
• NAMI Walks

Why We Celebrate Disability Awareness Month

Americans with disabilities, whether apparent or non-apparent, deserve the same employment opportunities as those without disabilities.

Each October, we recognize this commitment through National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). This observance highlights the contributions of people with disabilities, celebrates their achievements, and advocates for greater inclusion and equal access in the workplace and beyond.

History of NDEAM

In 1935, Franklin D. Roosevelt broke barriers by serving as president of the United States while managing a disability. Although not officially documented as a catalyst, the effort to educate the public about the issues related to disability and employment began the same year as Roosevelt’s death in 1945. 

Then, in 1988, Congress expanded the week to a full month and renamed it National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM).

Today, this observance continues, advocating for opportunities for people with disabilities while celebrating their achievements and contributions to our economy and society as a whole.