National Disability Employment Awareness Month
October is the 80th Annual Celebration of National Disability Employment Awareness Month. The celebration began in 1945 to recognize the contributions of people with physical disabilities. In 1988, the weeklong event expanded into a month designed by Congress to educate and increase opportunities for people with visible and nonvisible disabilities.
Join the campus community in celebrating the month at events, trainings, and education opportunities. DRES and the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion are partnering to provide events and trainings for students, faculty, and staff during October 2025.
Events
Understanding Non-Visible Disabilities
Wednesday, October 8, 2025
10:00 a.m.
Location: Virtual webinar
Join M.T. Hudson and Doug Maxey for a virtual presentation about non-visible disabilities. We will discuss common misconceptions, accommodations issues, and ways to create an inclusive environment for all employees. Human Resources professionals and supervisors across campus are particularly welcome to attend.
You have the Power: Empowering Resources for Employees or Job Seekers with Disabilities
Tuesday, October 14, 2025
5 p.m.
Location: Virtual webinar
Join this session for students with disabilities as they begin to explore the job market. Understand your rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and engage in discussion on relevant topics such as when to disclose a disability, and self-advocacy during onboarding.
Universal Design Virtual Workshop
Friday, October 17, 2025
2:00 p.m.
Location: Virtual webinar
Create an accessible workplace for all employees using best practices of Universal Design. Learn how to create job postings that do not unintentionally exclude otherwise qualified candidates. Discover resources like Vocational Rehabilitation and others that support job seekers with disabilities, and learn how to empower workplace participation for those affected by income restrictions. Beyond strategies, common tropes and misunderstandings will be deconstructed, and participants will have the opportunity to reflect on how a culture of empowerment supports all workers. Co-Presented by DRES and OVCDEI. For Supervisors/Hiring Managers.
Emerging Issues in Workplace Accommodations
Wednesday, October 29
12:00 pm
Location: Virtual webinar
Join the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access & Equity for a discussion of the latest developments and emerging topics related to disabilities in the workplace, accommodation processes, and inclusive practices.
Career Readiness with the Fehribach Center
Thursday, October 29, 2025,
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Location: Division of Disability Resources and Educational Services (DRES) Office, 1207 S Oak St, Champaign, IL 61820
The Gregory S. Fehribach Center Summer Internship Program for Students With Physical Disabilities
Join us along with Disability Resources and Educational Services (DRES) for a session about the Fehribach internship program that recruits college students with physical disabilities to competitive internships in their field of study. Learn about workplace resources and tips for job seekers from national leaders in disability employment.
More information will be available soon.
Service Animals and Emotional Support Animals on Campus
Wednesday, November 5
10:00 am
Location: Virtual webinar
Join ADA Coordinator Kiara Drake and Accessibility Specialist Heather Mihaly for a discussion of service animals and emotional support animals on campus. We will review basic concepts, inclusive practices, and the similarities and differences between the rights of employees, students, and visitors to campus. All are welcome to attend and bring your questions.