In recognition of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) on December 3, National Able Network (Able) honors the contributions, talent, and impact that people with disabilities bring to our workforce and to communities across the nation. This year’s global theme is ‘Fostering disability-inclusive societies for advancing social progress’ and it reinforces an essential truth: when workplaces are inclusive, entire communities grow stronger.

Following our recent celebration of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, IDPD invites us to broaden the conversation and reflect on how disability inclusion fuels progress not only within workplaces, but across society as a whole. This observance is especially meaningful to Able because many of the people we serve—particularly adults age 55+ and veterans—are disproportionately affected by disabilities. Supporting access, opportunity, and dignity for these communities lies at the heart of our mission.

Decades of advocacy — from the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and ongoing global efforts — have expanded opportunity, accessibility, and equity. Today, nearly 23 percent of working-age Americans with disabilities contribute their skills across every major industry, helping drive innovation, leadership, and economic advancement.

As we observe IDPD, we encourage employers, partners, and community members to deepen their commitment to disability inclusion year-round. The following resources from the Office of Disability Employment Policy, the Job Accommodation Network, and the Employer Assistance and Resource Network offer practical tools to support inclusive hiring and accessible workplaces – every day of the year:

To learn more about the International Day of Persons with Disabilities or National Disability Employment Awareness month, please visit each link below:

International Day of Persons with Disabilities

National Disability Employment Awareness Month