Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM) is celebrated in Texas each October with job fairs, public awareness events, and a statewide HireAbility campaign to promote employment opportunities for Texans with disabilities. The Governor's Committee on People with Disabilities partners with the Texas Workforce Commission as part of this campaign to distribute free DEAM posters to thousands of Texas employers and businesses. These posters encourage conversations about the talents and abilities of workers with disabilities while also connecting employers with valuable resources through the HireAbility website.
This year we also join the nation in observing the 80th anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). Since its inception in 1945 as a week‐long observance, and officially designated by Congress in 1988, NDEAM has grown to honor workers with physical, mental, and nonobvious disabilities in the workforce.
The 2025 NDEAM theme is “Celebrating Value and Talent,” recognizing the immense contributions people with disabilities bring to the workforce and economy, both now and throughout our history.
This year’s winning poster artist is Jacob Martinez. Jacob’s artwork will be featured on the official DEAM poster, alongside his photo, a personal statement, and this year’s national theme: “Celebrating Value and Talent.”
Jacob’s piece captures how meaningful employment fosters dignity, inclusion, and mutual growth. Through imagery, symbolism, and vivid design, his work highlights that workplaces become stronger when all people, including those with disabilities, have access to opportunity, support, and meaningful roles.
Texas employers, schools, and community organizations are encouraged to display the poster throughout October and beyond as a visible sign of their commitment to accessible and inclusive workplaces.
To order a poster, please contact us and provide a U.S.P.S. mailing address.
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