Recognizing Strengths: Turning Disability Employment Awareness Into Action

Oct 15

“They have so much potential.” It is an encouraging thought, but it leaves an important question unanswered: what should happen next?

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month. The U.S. Department of Labor’s 2026 theme, “Celebrating Value and Talent,” recognizes the contributions of workers with disabilities. For a family, student, or job seeker, one practical way to participate is to move from general encouragement to specific observations.

Describe a strength in action

Instead of writing “good with details,” describe a task: “Compared a supply list with the items delivered and noticed two missing pieces.” Instead of “helpful,” try: “Explained the next step when someone was unfamiliar with the activity.”

These are illustrative examples, not assessment results. The purpose is to gather questions and experiences worth discussing, not to assign a career from one observation.

Ask about the conditions

The same task can feel different in a quiet room, a busy workspace, or a setting with unclear instructions. Ask the individual what helped them participate. Did they prefer a demonstration, a written reminder, more time to practice, or a different way to communicate?

Do not assume a diagnosis tells you which work a person will enjoy or how they will perform it. Keep the person’s preferences and goals in the conversation.

Choose an opportunity to learn more

Identify one activity that would help answer a career question. It might be a conversation with someone in the field, a supervised project, or a visit to a training program. Confirm the arrangements and any support needs before participating.

Try this short planning exercise: