Each October, National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) offers an opportunity to recognize the contributions of workers with disabilities and to reaffirm the nation’s commitment to inclusive workplaces. This year, the CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS) is proud to celebrate this important observance by spotlighting an upcoming disability inclusion event and the School’s new Advanced Certificate in Disability Advocacy program.
Honoring NDEAM: Building Inclusive Cultures in the Workplace
NDEAM traces its roots back to 1945, when Congress first declared a week to acknowledge the employment of people with physical disabilities. Over the decades, the observance grew into a month-long recognition of both the rights and the talents of people with disabilities in all professions. Today, as we celebrate the 80th anniversary with the theme of “Celebrating Value and Talent,” NDEAM serves as a reminder that disability is a natural part of the human experience, and that workplaces and communities thrive when they welcome and support all individuals.
As part of this year’s observance, CUNY SPS will host a virtual panel discussion on October 21, 2025, titled “Be an Influencer: Your Role in a Disability-Inclusive Culture.” Organized by the School’s Committee on Institutional Equity and Diversity, the session will bring together disability scholars, advocates, and practitioners for an engaging conversation on how individuals may lead inclusively in the workplace. Participants will practice hands-on learning and real-world examples to learn how to positively influence workplace culture and embed disability inclusion into everyday operations.
This event is open to all CUNY SPS faculty, staff, and students. To learn more and register, visit here.
Advancing the Mission: New Advanced Certificate in Disability Advocacy Program
As part of our celebration of NDEAM, CUNY SPS is also excited to announce the launch of a new Advanced Certificate in Disability Advocacy, which is now accepting applications for the Spring 2026 semester. The certificate is designed for students, working professionals, and community members who want to strengthen their expertise and learn how to effect change through disability-focused policy, community leadership, and systems advocacy.
Through interdisciplinary coursework, students will develop a deeper understanding of disability history, social policy, and ethical frameworks, as well as practical skills in leadership and community engagement that will enable them to better address systemic issues and advocate for equality. Designed to support professionals in healthcare, human services, education, and nonprofit sectors, the certificate may be taken as a 12-credit standalone credential or as a track within the School’s MA in Disability Studies.
Dr. Andrew Marcum, academic director of the CUNY SPS Disability Studies programs, reflected upon the connection between NDEAM and the Advanced Certificate.
“The themes of National Disability Employment Awareness Month—equity, inclusion, and opportunity—are at the core of the new Advanced Certificate in Disability Advocacy at CUNY SPS,” he said. “By preparing students to become effective advocates, we are equipping them with the knowledge and tools to advance disability justice in workplaces, communities, and policy arenas. We are excited to welcome students who want to lead meaningful change.”
The new Advanced Certificate in Disability Advocacy program is the latest in CUNY SPS’ portfolio of groundbreaking online Disability Studies programs, which have the distinction of being the first of their kind in the country. These include an Advanced Certificate, BA, and MA in Disability Studies, and an Advanced Certificate and MS in Disability Services in Higher Education.
To learn more about the Advanced Certificate in Disability Advocacy, please visit the program page.
About the CUNY SPS Disability Studies Programs
Disability Studies is an emerging academic field that explores disability from multiple perspectives, including the social sciences, humanities, science, and the law. The CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS) offers groundbreaking, fully accredited programs within Disability Studies. The School’s offerings include a BA, Advanced Certificate, and MA in Disability Studies, an Advanced Certificate and MS in Disability Services in Higher Education, and an Advanced Certificate in Disability Advocacy.
About the CUNY School of Professional Studies
As New York's leading online school since 2006, the CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS) offers the most online bachelor's and master's degree options at the City University of New York, and serves as the University's first undergraduate all-transfer college. With 26 degrees and numerous other non-degree and grant-funded workplace learning programs, CUNY SPS meets the needs of adults who wish to finish a bachelor's degree, progress from an associate's degree, earn a master's degree or certificate in a specialized field, and advance in the workplace or change careers. Consistently ranked highly by U.S. News & World Report for its online offerings, CUNY SPS has emerged as a nationwide leader in online education. The School's renowned and affordable online programs ensure that busy working adults may fulfill their educational goals on their own time and schedule.
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Prerna Dar
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Prerna.dar@cuny.edu