National Disability Employment Awareness Month

October 6, 2025

National Disability Employment Awareness Month

Governor Janet T. Mills has declared October 2025 as National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) ! In her proclamation, Governor Mills reaffirms Maine's commitment to increasing opportunities for meaningful employment for people with disabilities. The full proclamation is available here :

https://www.maine.gov/governor/mills/official_documents/proclamations/2025-09-disability-employment-awareness-month-october

Nationally, this is the 80th anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)!

Events that are happening this month:

October 2-28, 2025

• Sponsor: Manufacturers Association of Maine

• Description: Manufacturing Month is a statewide effort to raise awareness about the strength and diversity of Maines manufacturing sector, and to inspire the next generation of workers. Raising awareness is the first step in solving Maines workforce challenges and it also strengthens our advocacy efforts in Augusta. The more people understand the value of manufacturing, the more support we can build for policies that benefit our sector and workforce.

• How to Attend: FMI: https://mainemfg.com/event/manufacturing-month-tours/

October 9, 2025

• Sponsor: Maine Municipal Association Annual Convention (Bangor)

• Description: Maintaining Access: 35 Years of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Presenter: Jill Johanning, Maine Licensed Architect, Alpha One Disability and Aging Solutions and Jason Angel, State Accessibility Coordinator, Maine Department of Labor

• How to Attend: FMI: https://www.memun.org/Training/Events/Convention/Agenda

October 9, 2025

• Sponsor: Commission for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Late Deafened

• Description: Commission for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Late Deafened (CDHHLD) - The Commission for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Late Deafened (CDHHLD) ensures that Maine citizens who are Deaf, hard of hearing, or late deafened have equal access to participate in all activities and opportunities of employment, recreation, government, state and community services

• How to Attend: FMI: https://www.maine.gov/rehab/advisory_councils/dod/index.shtml 4 p.m. - 7 p.m.

• ZOOM: 45 Commerce Drive, Augusta - MDOL Frances Perkins Room or via Zoom https://mainestate.zoom.us/j/84291028148?pwd=jZ10AXQBCTQKiugBPbaPntVmz4IZSg.1

October 11, 2025

• Sponsor: DCDT International Conference 2025 (Denver)

• Description: Delivering PEERS via Zoom as a Pre-Employment Transition Service Presenters: Dr. Sarah Howorth, Assoc Professor of Special Education, UMaine, Dr. Libby Stone-Sterling, Director, Bureau of Rehabilitation Services, Spencer Trenoweth, Regional Manager, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation

• How to Attend: FMI: https://dcdt.org/events/dcdt-international-conference

October 14, 2025

• Sponsor: Business Tour: Casella Waste Systems

• Description: Jobseeker tour at Casellas MERF location in Lewiston. This is a recycling facility that takes in materials from around the state. Casella has sorting positions, forklift operator positions and baler operators with a total of 25 employees at this location. Sorting positions come up most often and are generally full time. Bring your questions, share your skills, and discuss job sharing as a consideration. Note: This is a loud environment with walking and climbing stairs. Closed-toed shoes required.

• How to Attend: 10 a.m. 11 a.m. 424 River Rd, Lewiston https://forms.office.com/g/BzUTRZ8J8x

• Learn More: https://www.casella.com/

October 14, 2025

• Sponsor: University of Maine Augusta

• Description: Temple Grandin at UMA - Hear from one of the worlds most recognized voices on autism and neurodiversity. Dr. Temple Grandins story has inspired millions, and her message, "the world needs all kinds of minds," reflects UMAs mission to create education that works for every learner. As UMA marks 60 years, this signature event offers a rare opportunity to experience her insights live in Augusta.

• How to Attend: https://www.uma.edu/templegrandin/

October 15, 2025

Meeting ID: 814 9540 1440 Passcode: 77983667 One tap mobile +13092053325,,81495401440# US

October 15, 22, 29, 2025

• Sponsor: Disability Rights Maine

• Description: Disability Rights Maine NDEAM Webinar Series: Join one or more in a series of three webinars to increase awareness of resources

15th Employment Advocacy 22nd Making VR Work for Me 29th - Accommodations after High School

October 16, 2025

• Sponsor: Amazon

• Description: Virtual Info Session Celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month with Amazon! Join the virtual info session to learn about inclusive career opportunities and connect with Amazons PwD community! Discover how Amazons commitment to workplace accessibility can support your career journey

• How to Attend: FMI: 1p.m. 2 p.m. https://app.asana.com/1/8442528107068/project/1209367749363732/list/1209368972397122

October 20 and 21, 2025

• Sponsor: MADSEC FALL CONFERENCE

• Description: MADSEC ANNUAL FALL CONFERNCE - DVR, DBVI and Pathways to Partnerships staff will be on hand to share information and resources for special educators. Pathways to Partnerships partners will also present workshop entitled "Student-Led IEPs"

• How to Attend: FMI: Interested in Attending? Go to https://www.madsec.org