Celebrating National Disability Employment Awareness Month and Access to Good Jobs for All

Every October, we celebrate the many talents and contributions of workers with disabilities in our workforce. National Disability Employment Awareness Month, also known as NDEAM, started in 1945 as a national campaign by the US Department of Labor’s Office of Disability and Employment Policy. Almost 80 years later, we continue to honor the accomplishments of individuals with disabilities and recognize the unique challenges they face. 

It’s important that we have conversations, listen and educate ourselves on the experiences of others so we can create a more accessible and inclusive environment for all. We reached out to Member Service Representative Anna D. to discuss the importance of NDEAM, the misconceptions about individuals with disabilities and how Navy Federal is supporting their employees. 

Shining a Light on NDEAM 

According to the CDC, more than 1 in 4 adults in the U.S. have some type of disability. That’s almost 30% of the population. And, according to the US Department of Labor as of August 2024, the unemployment rate for working-age individuals with a disability is more than double what is for individuals without a disability. The purpose of NDEAM is to shine a light on disability employment issues while celebrating and giving a voice to those impacted. But what does NDEAM mean to the people it’s representing?

“NDEAM RESTORES OUR HUMANITY, HIGHLIGHTING THE FACT THAT WE DON’T ALWAYS HAVE IT TOGETHER AND THINGS THAT SEEM INSIGNIFICANT CAN MAKE OUR JOBS EXTREMELY DRAINING. BUT, WE STILL HAVE VALUE AS PEOPLE AND EMPLOYEES.”

Why is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) important to you?

In the working world, especially in a member-facing role, it’s common for employees to stop being seen as people. We’re expected to conduct ourselves with professionalism and a smile on our face, regardless of what we may be dealing with internally or externally. NDEAM restores our humanity, highlighting the fact that we don’t always have it together and things that seem insignificant can make our jobs extremely draining. But, we still have value as people and employees. This month recognizes those who show up every day at work and in life despite their disabilities. It’s the time to acknowledge their amazing contributions to society and their careers.

What misconceptions do you think people have about individuals with disabilities at work?

“If you can’t see it, it isn’t there.” Many disabilities people deal with in the workplace aren’t visible. You can see a broken bone, but you can’t see depression. And while the job may not be physically demanding, keeping up with tasks that able-bodied people do can be extremely mentally and physically exhausting to those with disabilities.

“IF YOU CAN’T SEE IT, IT ISN’T THERE. MANY DISABILITIES PEOPLE DEAL WITH IN THE WORKPLACE AREN’T VISIBLE.”

Championing an Inclusive Workplace

Our mission of service and support for the military and their families is mirrored in our support for our employees. Just like the military community has unique needs requiring specialized care, so do those with disabilities. It's our honor to make the effort to meet them where they are.

“NAVY FEDERAL OFFERS A LOT OF RESOURCES THAT HAVE ALLOWED ME TO BETTER LIVE AND WORK WITH MY DISABILITY.”

Can you expand on the services that Navy Federal provides to support employees with disabilities?

In my opinion, 3 of the most beneficial resources Navy Federal offers to support employees with disabilities are Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and Joshin. The EAP provides free counseling to Navy Federal employees and their families. The FMLA provides short- and long-term options for medical accommodations. Joshin, a new program widely shared by the Diverse Abilities Network, provides a variety of resources for employees and their families to manage disabilities, neurodivergence and other complex workplace needs.

What has helped you thrive and succeed in your role?

I’ve struggled with mental illnesses for most of my life. There are some days that getting out of bed feels physically impossible. Navy Federal offers a lot of resources that have allowed me to better live and work with my disability. I’ve used EAP, FMLA and the free telehealth provided by Amwell. I’m also blessed to have an amazing, supportive team that I can openly discuss my disabilities with without feeling judged. Employee resource groups like the Diverse Abilities Network also provide a safe place to interact with other employees that share the same experiences.

“the diverse abilities network AT ITS CORE IS A SAFE ENVIRONMENT FOR THOSE WITH DISABILITIES TO COMMISERATE AND PROVIDE SUPPORT.”

What is the Diverse Abilities Network, and what specific resources do they provide to support people with disabilities?

The Diverse Abilities Network is an employee resource group that supports employees with visible and invisible disabilities. At its core, the Diverse Abilities Network is a safe environment for those with disabilities to commiserate and provide support. The moderators provide updates for new employee resources such as Joshin, as well as invitations for meetings. On the whole, most information is provided by employees themselves, who share personal experiences and life hacks to managing their disabilities.

How has the Diverse Abilities Network affected your Navy Federal experience?

I have been part of the Diverse Abilities Network since its inception. I’m an active member in the Webex chat, and it has become one of my favorite parts of Navy Federal. While it is a safe space where people with invisible disabilities [can] express their struggles and seek/provide insight to others dealing with the same disability, it has also become a source of joy and fun. Everyone is kind and willing to lend a hand, even if it’s just sharing GIFs and photos with someone who’s having a rough day. It has helped me through some of my worst days when I really just wanted to go home. I love my Diverse Abilities Network family.

“NO ONE EXPERIENCES DISABILITIES THE SAME WAY, AND THAT’S OKAY.”

What are some of the lessons you’ve learned since being a part of the Diverse Abilities Network?

No one experiences disabilities the same way, and that’s okay. It’s easy to assume that our circumstances are the baseline for a disability. But people from all parts of life may approach the same disability differently. Accepting these differences has gone a long way in educating myself on my own disabilities and being able to be a proper ally to those with different circumstances.

Giving Grace and Understanding

Showing kindness to others might feel insignificant, but it’s the small actions that can make someone feel seen and included. NDEAM reminds us to be an advocate for those who can’t advocate for themselves and to always, always give grace.  

Have you experienced support from a peer that allowed you to bring your authentic self to work?

I’m lucky to have an entire team that I can draw on support from. My disability makes it difficult for me to process emotions, and I have a tendency to cry when I get overstimulated. No one asks questions, no one coddles or judges me, and this quiet level of support helps me return to work despite how embarrassing it can be to cry in front of your peers and other adults. I feel safe stepping away for a few minutes to compose myself and know my team will have my back.

How do you show up as an advocate for those with disabilities in the workplace?

I always try to step up when I see a team member or even a visiting member struggling. I always try to lend a helping hand to the best of my ability, and I accept that sometimes there is just nothing I can do, and that’s okay. A lot of people tout “my door is always open,” but being an ally to someone with a disability can be taxing. I strive to make sure that open door IS always open.

As we enter National Disability Employment Awareness Month, let’s celebrate the accomplishments of individuals with disabilities and continue to advocate for access to jobs for all. Thank you, Anna, for being open and sharing your story with us. It’s our mission to continue to educate ourselves and be a safe space where everyone can be themselves.