
Celebrating National Disability Employment Awareness Month 2026
"Celebrating Value and Talent"
Be Well at Work, Disability Management, is proud to support National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). Held each October, NDEAM aims to educate about disability employment issues and celebrate the many and varied contributions of America's workers with disabilities. Throughout the month, we'll be engaging in a variety of activities to educate our Employees, Faculty and Staff on disability employment issues and the role they play in fostering an equitable and inclusive work culture.
Year-Round Employer Strategies for Advancing Disability Employment (Link is external)
October 2026 Events
Disability Management-Related Events
Disability Management: Navigating the Process
Tuesday, October 6th, Noon - 1 pm via Zoom
Speaker: Mary Kelly, M.S., C.R.C., CLMS, Be Well at Work Disability Management
This presentation provides an overview of the disability management process from the employee point of view. This course covers the resources on campus to be utilized when it becomes evident that some assistance is needed. Whether a student employee, Part-time or Full-time, Postdoc, Faculty or Staff, we will discuss how to access disability-related resources and the requirements of the process. This is a one-hour presentation over the lunch hour with an additional period provided for questions and answers. This is open to all and those needing accommodations are strongly encouraged to email the presenter with requests in advance of the presentation. This presentation meets the requirement for the ADA Title II Self-Evaluation Section: Hiring and Employment.
Disability Management: Understanding the Process
Wednesday, October 7th, 9 am - 12:30 pm, via Zoom
Speaker: Mary Kelly, M.S., C.R.C., CLMS, Be Well at Work Disability Management
Disability Management: Understanding the Process workshop. Participants will have the opportunity to work through 'real' case scenarios, suggested by participants, we will... - Do a detailed analysis of work restrictions - Identify the need for accommodation including leave as an accommodation - Follow the life of an employee's disability accommodation through return to work - Explore the features of Worker's Compensation claims and impact on return to/stay at work; accepted/denied claim designations and permanent restrictions - Learn, identify, define, and prepare for next steps when all attempts at accommodation are exhausted, including reassignment. This presentation meets the requirement for the ADA Title II Self-Evaluation Section: Hiring and Employment.
Disability Management II: A Deeper Dive
Wednesday, October 14th, 9 am - 12:30 pm via Zoom
Speaker: Mary Kelly, M.S., C.R.C., CLMS, Be Well at Work Disability Management
This virtual workshop is a hands-on continuation and application of concepts learned in the Disability Management: Understanding the Process workshop. Participants will have the opportunity to work through 'real' case scenarios, suggested by participants, we will... - Do a detailed analysis of work restrictions - Identify the need for accommodation including leave as an accommodation - Follow the life of an employee's disability accommodation through return to work - Explore the features of Worker's Compensation claims and impact on return to/stay at work; accepted/denied claim designations and permanent restrictions - Learn, identify, define, and prepare for next steps when all attempts at accommodation are exhausted, including reassignment. This presentation meets the requirement for the ADA Title II Self-Evaluation Section: Hiring and Employment.
Ergonomics Related Events
Ergonomics and Wellness in the Office
Tuesday, October 8th, 11 am - Noon via Zoom
Speaker: Greg Ryan, Be Well at Work Ergonomics
This workshop covers the overlap between ergonomics and wellness in the workspace. We will focus on how to set up your work enviromment for comfort and movement throughout the day. The work rest cycle and strategies to maximize your energy and productivity will be provided.
Ergonomics in Motion: How to Prevent and Relieve Computer Strain
Wednesday, October 14th, 11 am - Noon via Zoom
Speaker: Greg Ryan, Be Well at Work Ergonomics
Learn ways to perform daily and work activities with less stress to your body. Covers general body mechanics (lifting, manual material handling, grip, etc.). Useful guidance on warming up, stretching, and strengthening exercises will be covered also. Wear comfortable clothing.
Advanced Ergonomics
Wednesday, October 21st, Noon - 1 pm, In-Person at the Tang Center
Speaker: Greg Ryan & Nathaniel Chung, Be Well at Work Ergonomics
Learn how to set up a user-friendly ergonomic workstation and incorporate wellness activities to help relieve computer-related aches and pains. This workshop is an in-person alternative to the online RSS Computer Ergonomics self-assessment and training module as an accessibility option that can be used to qualify for Ergo Matching Funds.
Myth-Busting Ergonomic Products
Thursday, October 29th, 11 am - Noon via Zoom
Speaker: Greg Ryan & Nathaniel Chung, Be Well at Work Ergonomics
This workshop will focus on dispelling common myths related to ergonomic products. Tables, chairs, keyboards, mice and ergonomic accessories will be covered. We will discuss the scientific basis for why products are ergonomic and how they can improve heath and wellbing.
Additional Related Events
Creativity and Your Well-Being: Using Watercolor to Design Your Rest Practice
Tuesday, October 1st, 12:10 - 1 pm, In-Person at the Tang Center
Speaker: Ainhoa Indurain Torre, Employee Assistance Counselor
Join us for a relaxing workshop designed to help you prepare for the winter months ahead. Come in person to enjoy warm tea, explore mindful watercolor blending, and create a personalized "Visual Rest Menu". No artistic skills are necessary; materials will be provided.
Functional Fitness
Friday, October 9th, 12:10 pm - 1 pm, In-Person at Hearst Gym
Speaker: Tomas Handelsman, Be Well at Work Wellness
Build strength, confidence, and movement fundamentals in this beginner-friendly functional fitness class. Using resistance bands and body weight exercises, we will cover proper exercise techniques that you will be able to apply to your own workouts! Whether you are new to working out or looking to sharpen the basics, this class delivers an effective full-body workout while helping you develop a strong foundation for everyday fitness.
Cook Well Berkeley; Simply Japanese
Tuesday, October 153th, 12:10 - 1 pm, via Zoom & In-Person at the Tang Center
Speaker: Kim Guess, RD, Be Well at Work Wellness
Discover the beauty of Japanese cooking through simple recipes using wholesome plant-based ingredients like tofu and fresh vegetables. We’ll cover easy dishes that draw on centuries of Japanese culinary wisdom and tradition. Demonstration, recipes, and samples provided.
Energizing Yoga and Breathwork
Friday, October 16th, 12:10 - 1 pm, In-Person at Hearst Gym
Speaker: Jon Phillips
This dynamic yoga class combines flowing movement, breathwork, and mindfulness techniques to build heat, strength, mobility, and focus. Expect a moderately challenging practice designed to energize the body while helping regulate the nervous system and reduce stress. Comfortable clothing and bare feet are recommended.
Transitioning Back After Baby Bonding Leave
Thursday, October 22nd, Noon - 1 pm, via Zoom
Speaker: Karen Patchell, MA, Be Well at Work Work/Life, Julie Resnik, LCSW, Be Well at Work Employee Assistance, Mary Kelly, MS, Be Well at Work Disability Management, Greg Ryan, Be Well at Work Ergonomics
For both birth and non-birth parents, the transition back to work after baby bonding leave can feel overwhelming. It can be filled with a vast array of emotions, concerns, and limitations, not to mention demanding and conflicting schedules.
Join us for this panel discussion which focuses on understanding both positive and negative emotions related to this transition, how to establish boundaries at work, benefits and accommodations available to working parents, ergonomic strategies for multiple workstations, and self-care resources to help ease the physical and mental pressure associated with working while caregiving.
Breastfeeding Your Baby - Returning to Work/School
Tuesday, October 27th, 1 pm - 4:15 pm via Zoom
Speaker: Tina Benitez
This 3 hour class is taught by a certified lactation consultant and is broken up into two parts.The first portion of the class, 1-3pm, addresses breastfeeding basics and problem solving. The second portion of class, 3:15-4:15pm, covers returning-to-work planning and breast pumps. Those who have already attended a breastfeeding class are welcome to join the last portion of the class.
Preventing Scams Targeting Older and Dependent Adults
Tuesday, October 27th, Noon - 1:30 pm via Zoom
Speaker: Cassie Villar
Cassie Villar is an Adult Protective Services (APS) Training & Outreach Specialist with the County of San Mateo. She will speak about Scams Targeting Older & Dependent Adults and give tips on how to avoid becoming a victim. Mrs. Villar will also discuss elder and dependent adult abuse and give a multidisciplinary approach to helping victims of neglect and/or crime.
Emotional Intelligence for the Workplace
Wednesday, October 28th, Noon - 1 pm via Zoom
Speaker: Julie Resnik, LCSW, Employee Assistance Counselor
Understanding and managing our emotions can increase our sense of well-being, motivation, empathy and ability to relate to others in a healthy way. This workshop will examine what it means to be emotionally intelligent and how to apply key concepts to create a more successful and fulfilling work/life experience.
Campus Resources
Additional Resources
- NAMI - National Alliance on Mental Illness is a mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for those affected by mental illness.
- JAN - Job Accommodation Network is a beneficial source offering free, expert, and confidential guidance on workplace accommodations and disability employment.








