Please note that this is not a comprehensive list of all observances and national events related to disabilities that take place throughout the year. There are numerous awareness months, weeks, and days dedicated to specific disabilities, conditions, and aspects of disability advocacy. These observances offer valuable opportunities to raise awareness, educate the public, and advocate for inclusion, rights, and support for individuals with disabilities.
Please reach out to us if you have an awareness month or day you would like the Diversibilities ERG to list.
January:
- Braille Literacy Month: Promotes awareness about braille and its importance for people who are blind or visually impaired.
Feburary:
- No specific awareness months or days identified.
March:
- Brain Injury Awareness Month: Raises awareness about traumatic brain injuries and acquired brain injuries, fostering understanding and support.
- Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month: Focuses on raising awareness about developmental disabilities and promoting inclusion.
- World Down Syndrome Day (March 21): A global awareness day to promote understanding and acceptance of individuals with Down syndrome.
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Awareness Month: Aims to increase awareness about multiple sclerosis, a chronic autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system.
April:
- Autism Awareness Month / Autism Acceptance Month: Centers on raising awareness, understanding, and acceptance of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
- World Autism Awareness Day (April 2):An internationally recognized day that falls within Autism Awareness Month, focused on increasing global awareness of autism and advocating for the rights and inclusion of individuals with autism.
- Parkinson’s Awareness Month: Focuses on raising awareness about Parkinson’s disease, a neurodegenerative disorder that affects movement.
May:
- Better Hearing and Speech Month: Raises awareness about communication disorders and promotes the importance of early intervention and treatment.
- Stroke Awareness Month: Highlights the importance of recognizing stroke symptoms, risk factors, and early intervention.
- Neuromuscular Disease (NMD) Awareness Month: Raises awareness about various neuromuscular disorders and their impact on individuals and families.
June:
- Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month: Aims to increase awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
- Migraine and Headache Awareness Month: Dedicated to raising awareness about migraines and other types of headaches, and advocating for research and improved treatment.
July:
- Disability Pride Month: Celebrates the disability community, promoting self-acceptance and pride.
- Fragile X Awareness Month: Focuses on raising awareness about Fragile X syndrome, a genetic disorder that can cause intellectual and developmental disabilities.
August:
- No known awarenss months or dates at this time.
September:
- International Day of Sign Languages or World Deaf Day (September 23): Celebrates sign languages and their importance in the deaf community. This day is dedicated to raising awareness about the rights, culture, and issues faced by deaf individuals worldwide. It provides an opportunity to promote deaf culture, sign languages, and the importance of accessibility and inclusion for the deaf community.
- Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month: While not exclusively focused on neurological disabilities, this observance raises awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and other brain-related disorders.
- Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month: Focuses on raising awareness about spinal cord injuries and the need for research and support.
October:
- International Augmented and Alternative Communication (AAC) Awareness Month: which focuses on raising awareness about the importance of communication access for individuals with complex communication needs.
- National Disability Employment Awareness Month: Focuses on promoting awareness and inclusion of individuals with disabilities in the workforce.
- National Dyslexia Awareness Month: Aims to raise awareness about dyslexia and support individuals with dyslexia.
- White Cane Safety Day (October 15): Raises awareness about the white cane as a symbol of independence and mobility for people who are blind or visually impaired.
- Dysautonomia Awareness Month: Aims to increase understanding of dysautonomia, a group of disorders that affect the autonomic nervous system.
- Rett Syndrome Awareness Month: Focuses on raising awareness about Rett syndrome, a rare genetic neurological disorder that primarily affects girls.
November:
- Complex Rehabilitation Technology (CRT) Week is typically observed in the United States during the third week of November. CRT Week is dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of complex rehab technology, which includes specialized equipment and technology designed to meet the unique needs of individuals with significant disabilities or medical conditions.
- Epilepsy Awareness Month: Centers on raising awareness about epilepsy, a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures.
December:
- International Day of Persons with Disabilities (December 3): A United Nations observance that promotes the rights and well-being of people with disabilities.
- United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities (December 3): Aims to promote the full and equal participation of people with disabilities and raise awareness about disability issues.
Additional resource: “2023 Calendar of Disability-Related Dates.” Disability:IN, 7 Apr. 2023, https://disabilityin.org/resource/2023-calendar-of-disability-related-dates/.