Developmental Services, Inc. celebrates the value, talent and contributions of people with disabilities in Indiana’s workforce
INDIANA — October 2026 — Each October, Developmental Services, Inc. (DSI) joins employers, community partners and organizations across the country in recognizing National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), a nationwide observance celebrating the skills, talents and contributions of people with disabilities in the American workforce.
This year’s NDEAM theme, “Celebrating Value and Talent,” reflects a movement that began more than 80 years ago. In 1945, Congress established a weeklong national observance recognizing the contributions of workers with physical disabilities. This evolved over the following decades, expanding to recognize people with all types of disabilities. In 1988,
Congress extended the observance to the entire month of October and officially designated it National Disability Employment Awareness Month.
For DSI, that mission extends well beyond the month of October.
Annually, DSI’s Employment Services works with approximately 795 individuals with disabilities as they identify their employment goals, explore career possibilities, secure competitive employment and develop the skills needed to succeed on the job.
Individuals receiving DSI Employment Services are referred to DSI through Indiana Vocational Rehabilitation (VR). Following a referral, DSI Employment Consultants work directly with individuals to identify their employment goals, explore opportunities that align with their interests and abilities, secure employment and provide support as they learn and grow in their jobs.
For some individuals, support continues after they get the job. For individuals who have an Indiana Medicaid Waiver, job support can continue through Extended Services. DSI provides ongoing support to help individuals maintain employment, grow in their roles and build greater independence in the workplace.
DSI’s commitment to employment also begins before an individual enters the workforce.
Through Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS), DSI serves approximately 236 high school students each year throughout Indiana. Pre-ETS supports students with disabilities ages 14 through 22 as they begin exploring what life after high school may look like.
These services give students opportunities to explore careers and begin answering an important question: What do I want my life after high school to look like? Through theseexperiences, students can begin identifying their strengths and interests while developing skills that will help prepare them for employment, additional education or training after high school.
From a student beginning to imagine a future career to an adult building independence through meaningful employment, DSI Employment Services focuses on the abilities, interests and goals of each individual.
As part of this year’s celebration, DSI Employment Services will host open houses on October 15 at locations throughout Indiana. The events will bring together clients, employers, community partners and DSI team members to celebrate the relationships that make meaningful employment possible. Open houses are also an opportunity for DSI to thank the businesses and communities that continue to open doors, build partnerships and recognize the value and talent of the individuals DSI serves.
For DSI, “Celebrating Value and Talent” is more than a theme for October. It reflects what happens every day when individuals, employers and communities work together to create opportunities for people to explore their strengths, pursue their employment goals and demonstrate the value they bring to Indiana’s workforce.
About Developmental Services, Inc.
Developmental Services, Inc. (DSI) is a nonprofit organization providing services and
supports to children and adults with disabilities throughout Indiana. Through employment,
community-based, residential, family support and other services, DSI works alongside
individuals to support greater independence, community participation and opportunities to
achieve personally meaningful goals.