National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) is an annual recognition of the positive impact of people with disabilities in the American workforce. Certified Rehabilitation Counselors (CRCs) and Certified Vocational Evaluation Specialists (CVEs) know how crucial it is to lead with intention when it comes to disability inclusion in the workplace. If you’re eager to get involved in the NDEAM celebration this year, here are five ways to spread knowledge, celebrate equity, and use your voice to advocate for people with disabilities.
Share a Story About Your Work Advocating for Disability Employment
Testimonies are some of the most powerful ways a CRC or CVE can advocate for individuals with disabilities. Hearing firsthand how an individual navigating disability can overcome barriers with a CRC or CVE in their corner is the quickest way to spread awareness of rehabilitation counseling and its impact.
When CRCC launched a campaign this summer about Henry Steinken’s journey returning to work after acquiring a disability, we heard from more people than ever before who weren’t aware of CRCs. A story lets us into someone’s mindset, their journey, and the emotions behind what navigating work and disability brings.
Sharing your story as a CRC or CVE can also be impactful. We have a helpful guide here to share stories with CRCC. You can also reach out to us for help getting your story told here.
Self-Audit Your Workplace for More Opportunities for Inclusion
Even workplaces that employ CRCs or CVEs can still find room to improve workplace inclusion for people with disabilities.
Disability IN has a wonderful Disability Index that serves as the global benchmark for disability inclusion in business. Not every element of your workplace may fit the companies surveyed in this Index, but it can be a great starting point.
You can also lean on your training and knowledge as a CRC to think about how to improve elements of your workplace. Starting a discussion with coworkers about room for improvement can also invite others to join the conversation and share responsibility for increasing equity.
Check out the latest 2026 Disability Index Report here.
Write Your US Representatives About What Supporting Disability Employment Means to You
NDEAM is a national recognition effort, and your national representatives should hear from you about why you value NDEAM. If you haven’t written to your representatives before, you should know a few things before you start.
First, keeping your feedback to one page can increase the chances it gets past an aide and onto an elected official’s desk. Starting with your name and what you’re writing about also helps make the cause you’re writing for clear.
Make sure to explain your role as a CRC or CVE and why it matters to disability employment. If you’ve voted for the official in the past, it can help to mention that as well. Even if you didn’t vote for them, voicing your support for disability inclusion and saying this matters to you as a constituent can help keep disability topics at the forefront of political campaigns and legislative priorities. Need help finding your representatives? Use the helpful links below.
Find Your US House Representative
Tell People About What CRCs Do to Support Disability Employment
A great way to show that you’re an advocate for disability employment is to tell people about your work as a CRC or CVE. We just launched a national brand video, “Navigate Disability with Confidence,” that you can share with your peers, friends, and professional network.
A video can be part of the story, but personalizing your role and identity as a CRC can make a big difference, too. Consider sharing the video on social media or via email, along with background on your journey to becoming a CRC. Consider sharing:
- How long you have been a CRC
- Why you entered this profession
- What disability inclusion means to you
Advocacy doesn’t always need to happen through large-scale campaigns that reach national audiences. In fact, that can be the most challenging way to start the conversation. Sometimes, the best way to start a dialogue is to use your voice first, and beginning with the people in your network can lead to big leaps forward in advancing disability employment.
Utilize the Department of Labor’s NDEAM Resources
Make sure to review all of the resources available from the Department of Labor for NDEAM 2026. You can find their resources and helpful links to videos, documents, and more here.
Have a topic you’d like to see covered in the CRCC Connect Blog? Reach out to us here. We’d love to hear your ideas and insights.
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