October 2026 marks the 81st anniversary of NDEAM, according to a news release. Governor Mills' proclamation recognizes the contributions of people with disabilities to Maine's workplaces, communities and economy and calls on employers, schools, higher education institutions and community organizations to promote access to good, in-demand jobs and career pathways, including registered apprenticeship. 

"At a time when employers are searching for workers, talented Maine people with disabilities are ready and willing to participate in the workforce," said Jennifer Kimble, the chair of Maine’s Commission on Disability and Employment, in the news release. "Expanding recruitment and retention strategies that recognize the value of including workers with disabilities as benefits businesses, communities, and the individuals whose talents are too often underutilized." 

The Commission on Disability and Employment was established by the legislature in 1997 and promotes collaboration with the public and private sectors to increase awareness and influence policy related to employment for people with disabilities. Its members envision a Maine workforce that includes all people with disabilities employed in jobs that meet both their economic and personal needs. 

"National Disability Employment Awareness Month is an opportunity to recognize the skills, talents and contributions of Mainers with disabilities and to continue working toward workplaces where everyone has the opportunity to contribute and succeed," said Maine Department of Labor Commissioner Laura Fortman. "Maine's workforce needs every person who wants to work, and the Department of Labor and our partners are committed to helping people with disabilities pursue meaningful careers while helping employers connect with talented workers." 

The Bureau of Rehabilitation Services (BRS) is part of the Maine Department of Labor (MDOL) and works to bring about full access to employment, independence and community integration for people with disabilities. BRS helps clients find and keep employment through career exploration, training, job placement, workplace accommodations, job coaching, retention and return-to-work services. 

BRS includes the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR), the Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired (DBVI), and the Division for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Late Deafened (DDHHLD). 

For young people with disabilities, BRS provides transition services that can help students explore careers, develop employment goals and gain work-based experience. Youth and other jobseekers can participate in activities such as job tours, interviews, job shadows, paid work experiences including registered pre-apprenticeships and apprenticeships, and other on-the-job training. 

Employers interested in recruiting, hiring or retaining workers with disabilities can work with BRS for no-cost services, including recruitment assistance, workplace accommodations, job coaching, retention and return-to-work services, and disability awareness training. 

MDOLprovides equal opportunity in employment and programs. Auxiliary aids and services are available to people with disabilities upon request. 

October NDEAM-related events and activities 

Organizations across Maine and nationally are offering events, trainings and other activities throughout October. A selection is listed below and is found at maine.gov/labor/ndeam. 

For employers and workforce development professionals 

• October: Every Wednesday this month,Global Best Buddies celebrates NDEAM during its#WorkplaceWednesday series will share video stories of employees, employers, and partnerships showing what inclusive employment looks like in action.
• Oct. 6:Part of the 2026 Latinos with Disabilities Community Series, Workplace Inclusion & Economic Opportunities for People with Disabilitieswebinar is hosted  by United Cerebral Palsy and sponsored by ANCOR Foundation and Waymo. During this panel discussion from 3 to 4 p.m., disability advocates and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) experts will explore employment rights, workplace inclusion, and reasonable accommodations. 
• Oct 13. This monthly onlineMaine Apprenticeship Information Sessionat 11 a.m. provides a brief overview of the Maine Apprenticeship Programand how it connects employers and individuals to earn-while-you-learn career pathways. 
• Oct 20:Navigating Performance Discussions and the Accommodation Process Effectively online training is offered through the Job Accommodation Network from 2 to 3 p.m.
• Oct. 27: Maine Working Together's MonthlyMeaningful Day and Employment Training Series will focus on "Putting Employment First," including the role of direct support staff, supervisors and managers in helping people learn about and explore employment. The free session is held online from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. and does not require registration.
• Oct. 28:The National Association of Workforce Development Professionals; October Power Hourfrom 1 to 2 p.m. supports this year's NDEAM themeCelebrating Value and Talent by exploring disability awareness, local and national resources, and key disability employment policies. 
• Oct 29:In support of NDEAM, TransCen is offering this free webinarat 1 p.m. called Making Work Actually Work: Tools to Support Positive Employment Outcomes that introduces proven strategies and actionable tools for supporting individuals with disabilities as they pursue employment.
• Ongoing:Maine’s new Job Coach Training course provides the foundational knowledge and practical skills you need to support job seekers with disabilities in long-term employment. This self-paced online course was created and authorized by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services. Completing the course is a requirement of becoming a job coach in Maine who can work with people with disabilities for the DOE, DHHS, and DOL.
• Ongoing:Obtain your ACRE Certificate to become an Employment Specialist in Maine by completing the new Maine ACRE Employment Specialist Course.  

For jobseekers, employees and workers 

• October: Maine Manufacturing Monthis a statewide effort to raise awareness about the strength and diversity of Maine’s manufacturing sector, and to inspire the next generation of workers. The calendar of events includes social gatherings, tours, workshops and more open to the public. Some events require registration.
• October: MDOL CareerCentershost HiringEvents throughout the state and throughout the year. Online workshops help you develop jobseeker skills to advance your chances with hiring managers.Auxiliary aids and services are available to individuals with disabilities upon request.
• October: Each month,MDOL BRS clients are invited on several business tours across the state. Contact your Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC) to participate.
• Oct. 7:Maritime Industry Day takes place from 8 a.m. to noon and is hosted by the Manufacturers Association of Maine at the USS Albacore in Portsmouth, NH. The event will highlight STEM, skilled trades, career opportunities and the submarine and maritime industrial base.
• Oct. 7 and 22: Disability Rights Maine will offer Understanding Your Vocational Rehabilitation Services and Rightsonline at 1 p.m. on Oct. 7 andat 10 a.m. on Oct. 22 the Rockland CareerCenter. This training is open to people interested in VR services, family members, guardians, case managers, service providers and others interested in disability rights. 
• Oct 13. This monthly onlineMaine Apprenticeship Information Sessionat 11 a.m. provides a brief overview of the Maine Apprenticeship Programand how it connects employers and individuals to earn-while-you-learn career pathways. 
• Oct. 14: Helen Keller Services will host its 6th Annual NDEAM Event Webinar from 2 to 3:30 p.m. 
• Oct. 15:Maine Hire-A-Vet hosts a hiring and veteran resource event from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the York County Regional Training Center in Alfred. The event is open to all jobseekers.Auxiliary aids and services are available to individuals with disabilities upon request.
• Oct. 15: MDOL DVR offersmonthly virtual orientation to Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) services for individuals with disabilities every third Thursday of the month from 9 to 10 a.m. The orientation will be an opportunity to learn about VR services and how VR can support you in obtaining, maintaining and advancing employment. Captioning and ASL will be available. No pre-registration necessary.Join the Zoom here. 

For students, youth, families and educators 

• Oct. 7:Maine DOL BRS staff members will team up with Maine Parent Federation (MPF) for a webinar at noon focused onVocational Rehabilitation Services for Transition Age Students (ages 18-24).
• Oct. 7: Disability Rights Maine hosts monthlysessions at noon. Lunch & Learn: Resources to Work with Deaf & Hard of Hearing Students is the October focus.
• Oct. 28:Parents, grandparents, and caregivers to children with disabilities and/or special health care needs who are interested in becoming Family Support Navigators (FSN) to provide peer support to other Maine families, are invited to a(MPF) In-Person Family Support Navigator Training at the Cohen Community Center in Hallowell from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 

Community awareness events and observances 

• October:Blindness Awareness Month will be observed throughout the month. 
• Oct. 2: The Iris Network and the Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired will host White Cane Awareness Day from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Congress Square in Portland during the First Friday Art Walk. The event will include information tables, white cane demonstrations, food, music and activities.
• Oct. 6:Are you voting in the Midterm Election but you are unsure if the process will be accessible to you? Maine CITE Webinar: Voting Rights with Disability Rights Mainefrom 1 to 2 p.m. will answer your questions.
• Oct. 7: The National Federation of the Blind holds itsGreater Portland Chapter Monthly Meeting via Zoom from 7 to 8 p.m. All are welcome to attend. Meetings cover chapter business, advocacy updates, and community news for blind and low-vision individuals in Portland and surrounding towns.
• Oct. 8: The Commission for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Late Deafened (CDHHLD) will hold its quarterly meeting from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Maine Department of Labor, 45 Commerce Drive, Augusta. The meeting is open to the public.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.
• Oct. 8:Every October, on the second Thursday, World Sight Day casts a spotlight on the importance of eye care, and what it means to have care that is accessible, available and affordable to all.
• Oct. 9: The Iris Network will host Dining in the Dark from 6 to 9 p.m., an immersive blindfolded dinner experience at Bruno's Restaurant and Tavern in Portland.
• Oct. 15:White Cane Awareness Day, also known as Blind Americans Equality Day,activities educate the public about blindness and visual impairments and has recognized the importance of white canes in promoting safety and independence since 1964.
• Oct. 20: The DVR and DBVI will hold a joint State Rehabilitation Council meeting, which is open to the public. Details to be announced.
• Oct 21.Alpha One's monthly Peer Power Hub is a virtual peer support group from 2 to 3:15 p.m. It is led by peers with lived disability experience, offering a safe space for mutual support, self-advocacy skill-building, and community connection for people with disabilities across Maine. Alpha One is Maine's Independent Living Center, based in Portland. 

NDEAM has been observed nationally since 1945. The observance recognizes the contributions of people with disabilities and promotes employment opportunities and career pathways. 

For more information about employment services for people with disabilities, visit the Maine Department of Labor's Bureau of Rehabilitation Services.