Disability Employment Month Is a Good Time to Stop Asking ‘Are They Ready?’
Events
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month. The 2026 theme is “Celebrating Value and Talent.” That’s a good theme. It’s also a good reason to retire one question that gets asked far too often: “Are they ready to work?”
Readiness isn’t a light switch. Most people figure out work by trying tasks, learning what fits, getting feedback and trying again. People with disabilities deserve that same room to learn.
Ask a question that leads somewhere
Try: “What kind of work would you like to explore, and what would make it workable?” That opens the door to useful details—preferred tasks, schedule, transportation, communication, sensory needs, training and on-the-job support.
For a family or support coordinator, the next step might be a short workplace visit, an informational interview, a volunteer role with a clear purpose or a conversation with an employment provider. The point isn’t to fill a calendar with activity. It’s to learn what the person enjoys, what they’re good at and where support changes the outcome.
Use the month for one real action
The U.S. Department of Labor offers free 2026 materials for the October observance; there’s no registration required. Employers can use them to start conversations about recruitment, accessibility and retention. Families and professionals can use the month more personally: write down one work goal in the person’s own words and identify the next person who can help move it forward.
A poster about inclusion is fine. A specific opportunity with the right support is better.
