Manitowoc WI., October 6, 2026 - Ascend Services today announced it is joining the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy in recognizing National Disability Employment Awareness Month, an annual awareness campaign that takes place each October. The purpose of National Disability Employment Awareness Month is to educate about disability employment issues and celebrate the many and varied contributions of America's workers with disabilities. This year's theme is "Celebrating Value and Talent."

The history of NDEAM traces back to 1945, when it began as a weeklong recognition of people with physical disabilities. Later, NDEAM expanded to a full month and evolved to include all people with disabilities, including those with mental health conditions and other nonobvious disabilities, acknowledging the importance of increasing their access to jobs.
 
Reflecting this year's theme, throughout the month, Ascend will be engaging in a variety of activities to educate its employees and clients on disability employment issues and its commitment to an accessible and equitable work culture. These efforts include the organization’s weekly podcasts, print campaign & social media marketing.

“Ascend is proud to be a part of this year's National Disability Employment Awareness Month," said Deanna Genske, Executive Director. "We want to spread the important message that we value all perspectives, especially those of individuals with disabilities."

Employers and employees in all industries can learn more about how to participate in National Disability Employment Awareness Month and ways they can promote its messages—during October and throughout the year—by visiting dol.gov/NDEAM.

The mission of Ascend Services, Inc. is to promote individual growth by providing community experiences, education, and employment opportunities to individuals with disabilities.