RTD celebrates National Disability Employment Awareness Month

Since 1945, the United States has marked October as a time to reflect on and promote the inclusion of people with disabilities in the workforce. Originally launched as “National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week” under President Harry Truman, the observance evolved over decades into National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), broadening its focus and affirming that disability employment is not about charity or compliance—it is about equity, talent and human rights.

The fight for equitable employment has been led by trailblazers whose vision transformed workplaces, policies and culture:

• Paul A. Strachon (1940s) – Founded the American Federation of the Physically Handicapped, the first national organization committed to ending job discrimination. His leadership laid the groundwork for future civil rights protections.
• Ed Roberts (1960s-1970s) – Often called the Father of the Independent Living Movement, Roberts advocated for centers where people with disabilities could access employment, housing and support services.
• Justin Dart Jr.(1980s-1990s) – Known as the “Father of the ADA,” Dart crisscrossed the nation to gather testimonies from disabled people about barriers they faced. His leadership on the President’s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities and tireless advocacy were instrumental in passing the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA).
• Katherine Perez (today) – A disability rights lawyer, Perez champions the rights of disabled immigrants, fighting for equitable access to education and employment.
• Taryn M. Williams (today) – As the U.S. Department of Labor’s Assistant Secretary for Disability Employment Policy, Williams advances national strategies to expand opportunities, dismantle systemic barriers and model inclusive workplace practices.
• Alice Wong (today) – Founder of the Disability Visibility Project, Wong amplifies the stories of disabled people, particularly around representation, workplace equity and accessible futures.

These leaders represent that progress is not linear; it is built on the courage of advocates who demanded recognition of both ability and dignity.

From Employment Rights to Transit Equity

Disability employment has always been intertwined with the fight for transportation equity. For people with disabilities, the ability to work has never depended solely on laws protecting against discrimination in the workplace—it has also depended on whether they could reliably get there.

The passage of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act in 1973 made it illegal for federally funded programs, including public transit, to discriminate. Disabled activists took to the streets. In 1978, the Gang of 19—a group of disability rights activists in Denver—surrounded two inaccessible RTD buses at the corner of Colfax and Broadway. Refusing to move until officials committed to change, they sparked national attention and laid the foundation for a broader movement for accessible transit.

By the late 1970s and into the 1980s, that momentum grew as grassroots groups like American Disabled for Accessible Public Transit (ADAPT) carried the fight across the country. Activists left their wheelchairs, crawled up steps and blocked buses to demand wheelchair lifts and equal service.

That determination led to a defining moment in 1990, when the ADA was signed into law. By securing equal rights in employment and transit, the law affirmed that freedom to travel is inseparable from freedom to participate in the workforce.

RTD’s Commitment to Equitable Careers

At RTD, equity isn’t just a value but a driving force. RTD offers reasonable accommodations from the application process to day-to-day operations. RTD’s ADA Coordinator, Kris Frazier, is a Certified Professional Associate through the National Association of ADA Coordinators and ensures ADA compliance, guides accommodation requests, and leads education efforts across the agency. Employees or applicants seeking assistance may contact Frazier directly at [email protected] for support with accommodations or ADA-related questions.

Supporting Disability Employment Awareness in Denver

In honor of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), RTD invites community members, partners and allies to join in celebrating resilience, talent and culture by participating in local events that highlight disability rights and employment equity:

Local Events

• Walk ALS Denver (9a.m. Oct.5): Organized by ALS United Rocky Mountain, this annual walk brings the community together to honor, remember and support those affected by ALS.
• Global Down Syndrome Foundation's Annual Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show (Oct.18): The largest fundraiser for Down syndrome research in the world, this fashion show celebrates the beauty, talent and achievements of individuals with Down syndrome.
• “Dance Nation” (Oct.9-19): Experience the explosive energy of this Pulitzer Prize-nominated play about ambition, identity and adolescence. Presented by Phamaly Theatre Company—a creative home for theatre artists with disabilities- “Dance Nation” reimagines the power of storytelling through disability artistry.
• Harvesting Resources: A Community Resource Fair (10a.m. Oct. 25): Connect with organizations, service providers and neighbors at this free event focused on resources and opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
• City of Aurora NDEAM Accessibility Marketplace and Job Resource Fair (10a.m. Nov.1): An event to connect job seekers with disabilities to employment opportunities and provide resources on accessibility and inclusive community programs.

Inclusive Businesses and Resources

In addition to celebrating community events, NDEAM is a time to uplift inclusive businesses and resources that champion employment equity for people with disabilities. These organizations and enterprises demonstrate how innovation, opportunity and accessibility create stronger communities and expand pathways to meaningful work:

• Brewability Pizza Pass: Enjoy a pizza pass that includes 26 pizzas over the course of one month at Brewability, a brewery and pizzeria devoted to crafting inclusivity and empowerment alongside remarkable beer and delicious food. By employing adults with developmental disabilities and welcoming patrons of all ages and abilities, Brewability models a new brand of belonging.
• Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT): OEDIT maintains a statewide directory of Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses (SDVOSBs) and certified disability-owned enterprises, and connects community members, agencies and businesses with certified vendors, expands contracting opportunities and supports disability- and veteran-owned entrepreneurship.
• Colorado Neurodiversity Chamber of Commerce (CNDCC): The first chamber of commerce in the nation dedicated to neurodiverse professionals and entrepreneurs, the CNDCC promotes “neurodiversity-friendly” businesses, connects employers with diverse talent and highlights organizations committed to inclusive workplace practices.
• Colorado Disability Opportunity Office (CDOO): The CDOO provides advocacy, technical assistance and resources to increase economic opportunities for people with disabilities.
• Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR): Colorado’s DVR empowers individuals with disabilities to prepare for, secure and advance in meaningful employment—including self-employment ventures.

RTD’s Commitment to Accessibility

RTD marks National Disability Employment Awareness Month by celebrating the pioneers who reshaped laws and mindset and the leaders who continue to innovate. The agency affirms that employment equity and transit equity are two sides of the same coin, and ensures all people have the freedom to travel, the right to opportunity and the ability to thrive. By continuing to expand accessible services, partner with communities and embed inclusion in every level of agency operations, RTD honors the legacy of those who said: “We will ride”.