COLUMBUS, Ohio — Columbus City Council recognized October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month during a recognition at City Hall on Oct. 19, 2026, highlighting the contributions of workers with disabilities and the need for inclusive employment opportunities in the city.
The ceremonial resolution was sponsored by Councilmember Christopher L. Wyche and co-sponsored by Nicholas Bankston, Lourdes Barroso De Padilla, Nancy Day-Achauer, Rob Dorans, Melissa Green, Emmanuel V. Remy, Tiara Ross and Council President Shannon G. Hardin. It encourages residents to learn about disability employment issues and supports hiring, retaining and advancing workers with disabilities. The resolution estimates that about 13% of Columbus residents have a disability.
Mayor Andrew Ginther also proclaimed October 2026 as National Disability Employment Awareness Month in Columbus. This year’s theme, “Celebrating Value and Talent,” highlights the skills and perspectives workers with disabilities bring to workplaces and communities, according to the recognition.
For Nicole “Lady Xtreme” Carter, being present at Columbus City Hall for the recognition was a meaningful moment. “Standing at Columbus City Hall as our City Council recognized National Disability Employment Awareness Month was priceless,” Carter said. She thanked Wyche for introducing the resolution and the full Council for recognizing the value of people with disabilities, adding, “Moments like this remind us that our voices matter.”
Carter said recognition must be followed by opportunities in employment, leadership, entrepreneurship and economic independence. “Disability does not mean inability!” she said. “Inclusion should never stop at awareness. It must lead to action.”
The Columbus action follows the statewide observance led by Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities. Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor Jim Tressel have signed a proclamation recognizing October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month in Ohio, and the state agency said it is hosting hiring events across Ohio during the month for job seekers with disabilities and employers committed to disability-inclusive workplaces.
National Disability Employment Awareness Month is led each October by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy. The observance began as a national week in 1945 and expanded to a month in 1988. In Columbus, the council resolution and the mayor’s proclamation keep the focus on learning about disability employment issues and on supporting workers with disabilities through the rest of October and beyond.