According to this Library of Congress post, "In October, Americans observe National Disability Employment Awareness Month by paying tribute to the accomplishments of the men and women with disabilities whose work helps keep the nation’s economy strong and by reaffirming their commitment to ensure equal opportunity for all citizens."
The article goes on to point out that "this year's National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) theme is 'Inclusion Drives Innovation.'"
Look for the link on the left "For Teachers."
I also think there are some great primary source materials for the classroom from the People link, which takes you to notable Americans who overcame adversity. Their handicaps are listed under their portraits, and some may surprise you, as they surprised me. Here's one example:
Dummy Hoy, Washington Statesmen, baseball card portrait
https://www.loc.gov/resource/bbc.0383f/
NDEAM National Disability Employment Awareness Month disabilities
My name is Danielle Charlot and I teach 5th grade Social Studies at Quinn Middle School in Hudson.
According to the articles, disability history has been on a path toward greater inclusion and overall equity, but has often been used to justify discrimination against other marginalized groups by drawing comparisons between blacks/women/immigrants and the disabled in order to argue against extending them rights. In this way, it has been more acceptable to discriminate based on disability, leading to slower progress and greater obstacles for people with disabilities.