The University of Arkansas' 2024 National Disability Employment Awareness Month celebrations to feature free webinars, a Disability Resource Fair, sporting events, and the third annual Advocacy Awards ceremony.

Each October, the university celebrates National Disability Employment Awareness Month, started as a federal week of recognition which encouraged employers to hire people with disabilities and has evolved over time to become a larger celebration of the contribution of individuals with disabilities to our workplaces, communities, and our shared culture.

This year, National Disability Employment Awareness Month will be observed at the University with a series of events aimed at educating our community and celebrating people in our community who have worked to promote respect, accommodation, and accessibility.

This year's theme is "Access to Good Jobs for All," and the Office of Accommodation and Accessibility Services within the Department of Equal Opportunity, Compliance and Title IX, in collaboration with the Center for Educational Access, will engage in a variety of activities to educate the campus community on disability-related issues and U of A's commitment to accessibility and inclusivity.

Events will include a series of three employment-related webinars. Additionally, the CEA and community partners will host the Disability Awareness Month Resource Fair on Oct. 22. The National Disability Employment Awareness Month celebration at the university will conclude with a Disability Awareness Awards ceremony on Oct. 30. Some events require registration. See below for registration information and links.

To nominate someone for a Disability Awareness Recognition Award, please submit your nomination online by Friday, Oct. 11.

Schedule of NDEAM events

Oct. 2: Webinar — presented by the EEOC — Veteran Focused Approach to the ADA. Noon to 1 p.m. (Central). Registration link.

Oct. 8: Webinar — presented by UA Partners for Inclusion: Proactive Strategies for Building a Disability-Inclusive Workplace. 10-11a.m. Registration link.

Oct. 16: Webinar — presented by the Job Accommodation Network — Accommodating Educational Professionals: Meeting Workplace Needs with Assistive Technology. 9-10 a.m. Registration link.

Oct. 18: UREC in collaboration with U.S. Amputee Football Federation: UREC/Amputee Soccer Event at UREC Sports Complex at 5 p.m.

Oct. 22: Disability Awareness Month Community Resource Fair — Center for Educational Access (CEA) in collaboration with SOURCES for Community Independent Living, event from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. ARKU International Connections Lounge

Oct. 30: 2024 University of Arkansas Disability Awareness Awards at ARKU  507-511, 11 a.m. to1 p.m. Opening video remarks by noted disability rights and independent living leader, Lex Frieden. Awardees will be celebrated and presented Beverages and appetizers will be served. Please email OEOC-Accommodation and Accessibility Services if you would like to attend this awards event: access@uark.edu.