We’re committed to supporting and protecting the mental health of the American workforce—and now it’s easier than ever to learn about workplace accommodations that can make a difference. ODEP’s Job Accommodation Network just launched its new Mental Health Hub, a centralized source of information about accommodation solutions that support mental health needs. Employers, workers, and anyone interested in promoting a mental health-friendly workplace can find practical guidance, accommodation insights, information related to the Americans with Disabilities Act, and tools that support productivity, retention, and workplace success.

Our 2026 National Disability Employment Awareness Month theme will be “Celebrating Value and Talent,” carrying the spirit of last year’s celebration forward through America’s 250th birthday. This iconic theme and associated visuals reflect the essence of both the nation’s 250th anniversary celebration and NDEAM and reaffirm our commitment to economic opportunity for all Americans. Check back with us in the lead up to NDEAM in October for ideas, resources, and activities you can participate in to celebrate.

ABLE accounts are tax-advantaged investment and savings accounts that allow Americans with disabilities to save money for qualified disability-related expenses—without jeopardizing essential government benefits. In an op-ed published on 529 Day (May 29), Acting Secretary Keith Sonderling highlighted recent changes to ABLE accounts, also known as 529A accounts, that expanded ABLE eligibility to about 8 million more Americans with disabilities and veterans and increased contribution limits for disabled workers whose employers do not make certain retirement-plan contributions. Find out more below and open your ABLE account today.

This summer, ODEP’s Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability is kicking off a webinar series focused on helping companies in high-growth, in-demand industries hire and retain talented workers with disabilities. The series begins on July 1, 2–3 p.m. ET, with the session “Building a Stronger Construction Industry: Recruitment, Retention, and Workforce Stability,” featuring a guest from the Associated General Contractors of America. The second session, “Strengthening the Manufacturing Industry: Recruit, Re-Train, and Retain Valuable Workforce Talent,” will take place on July 22, 2–3 p.m. ET, featuring a guest from the Manufacturing Institute. Register now and stay tuned for more!

Assistant Secretary Julie Hocker recently joined the National Conference of State Legislatures’ “Our American States” podcast to talk about addressing mental health in the workplace, strengthening the behavioral health workforce, and expanding job opportunities for Americans with disabilities, including those with mental health conditions and substance use disorders. “Nearly half of all American workers report moderate to severe levels of depression, anxiety, and burnout. More than three-quarters of us have reported experiencing work-related stress in the last month alone,” said Hocker, underscoring the need for mental health supports in the workplace.

Increasingly, job seekers receive workforce services on digital platforms, including from the public workforce system. That means accessibility is essential to getting high-quality services to all job seekers, including Americans with disabilities. To help ensure that your state’s digital systems rise to federal accessibility standards—or to find out what improvements they may need—join us at 2 p.m. ET on July 1 for an interactive webinar led by ODEP’s LEAD Center, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Civil Rights Center, and state leaders from Colorado and Minnesota. This webinar is designed for local workforce development board members, Equal Employment Opportunity officers, American Job Center management and staff, WIOA core programs and partners, accessibility coordinators, procurement and technology staff, and others responsible for ensuring accessible workforce services.

Connect career goals to real-world money decisions. The quick-reference guide “Aligning Employment and Financial Conversations in American Job Centers” from the LEAD Center helps workforce staff collaborate with disabled American job seekers to set goals for work and saving. You don’t need to be a financial expert—simply follow the guide’s prompts to connect wages, benefits, and next steps so job seekers can pursue work and economic mobility with clarity and confidence.