Celebrating Disability Employment Awareness Month, October 2025
We're proud to announce that Governor JB Pritzker has officially proclaimed October 2025 as Disability Employment Awareness Month in Illinois.
This month-long observance celebrates the contributions of workers with disabilities and highlights the importance of inclusive, equitable workplaces across our state. The 2025 National theme, "Celebrating Value and Talent," reflects Illinois' continued commitment to recognizing the strengths and potential of all individuals in the workforce.
We invite communities, employers, and advocates to join us in honoring the achievements of individuals with disabilities and supporting efforts that advance meaningful employment opportunities for all.
Proclamation Text:
WHEREAS, October is recognized as National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), a time to honor the contributions of workers with disabilities and to acknowledge the value they bring to our communities and workplaces; and,
WHEREAS, October 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of this observance, first established in 1945, and now celebrated as a tribute to the talent, dedication, and achievements of individuals with disabilities in every sector of the workforce; and,
WHEREAS, the national theme for 2025, "Celebrating Value and Talent," reflects Illinois' shared commitment to recognizing the contributions of all individuals in the workplace; the importance of welcoming, respectful workplaces that reflect the diversity of our state; and,
WHEREAS, the Illinois Department of Human Services Division of Developmental Disabilities is proud to participate in this national celebration, and appreciates the meaningful contributions of individuals with disabilities in pursuing employment opportunities that reflect their skills, interests, and personal goals,
WHEREAS, through initiatives such as Dignity in Pay, Illinois continues to affirm that individuals with disabilities should have the opportunity to pursue competitive, integrated employment in settings where their contributions are valued; and,
WHEREAS, Disability Employment Awareness Month offers an opportunity to extend appreciation to the many Illinois businesses, service providers, self-advocates, and community members who help make inclusive employment a reality throughout the state;
THEREFORE, I, JB Pritzker, Governor of the State of Illinois, do hereby proclaim October 2025 Disability Employment Awareness Month in Illinois in support of efforts to celebrate individuals with disabilities who are working or seeking work, and to encourage individuals and businesses to build and sustain a diverse workforce that includes individuals of all abilities through inclusive hiring practices and a supportive culture.
In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of Illinois to be affixed.
Done at the Capitol in the City of Springfield, this EIGHTEENTH day of SEPTEMBER, in the Year of Our Lord, two thousand and TWENTY-FIVE, and of the State of Illinois, two hundred and SIXTH.
The proclamation is signed by Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias and Governor JB Pritzker.
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