National Disability Employment Awareness Month: Section 503 Compliance Support & Best Practices

Use National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) as a catalyst for stronger disability inclusion, measurable outreach, and renewed attention to Section 503 obligations. DirectEmployers Association helps federal contractors strengthen their efforts through practical compliance support, trusted partnerships, expert guidance, and education that promotes disability-inclusive hiring throughout the year.

Section 503 compliance support and disability inclusion planning

Our Section 503 Support & Federal Contractor Compliance Solutions

Explore practical guidance, recruitment and outreach tools, VocRehab+ job delivery, and on-going education to help federal contractors navigate Section 503 responsibilities and broader compliance needs.

Section 503 Support

Receive practical guidance, program feedback, and insights from an in-house Certified ADA Coordinator to help strengthen disability inclusion and support Section 503 obligations.

OFCCP Compliance

Access scalable HR compliance support, documentation assistance, and expert guidance for managing complex federal contractor obligations related to Section 503.

VEVRAA Mandatory Job Listings

Explore requirements and practical strategies for delivering covered job openings to appropriate Employment Service Delivery Systems (ESDS), maintaining delivery records, and supporting consistent VEVRAA job listing practices.

Partner Relationship Manager

Connect with hand-vetted veteran, disability, and community-based organizations while documenting partner relationships, communications, and outreach activities.

VocRehab+

Connect employer jobs with vocational rehabilitation counselors to support disability-focused outreach, improve access to opportunities, and strengthen recruitment pipelines.

Compliance Education

Participate in DEAMcon, webinars, and ongoing education designed to help HR, compliance, talent acquisition, and disability professionals stay informed about evolving requirements, workforce practices, and emerging issues affecting federal contractors.

Inclusive Compliance

Turn Awareness Into Measurable Action

Section 503 compliance is strongest when outreach, education, accessibility, and documentation align. DirectEmployers Association helps employers move beyond one-time NDEAM activities to build repeatable practices supported by nationwide partner relationships, federal contractor compliance expertise, and member-focused service. Together, these resources support a better-documented compliance strategy and a more inclusive path to qualified talent with disabilities.

HR compliance team reviewing disability inclusion strategy
Member-Driven Results

Success Stories

Trusted by leading employers nationwide to support compliance, recruitment reach, and inclusive hiring practices.

"The member support team at DirectEmployers Association has been outstanding. They're patient and let us learn at our own speed. I find the training and demonstrations have been easily followed and comprehensive, guiding us through the platform effectively. The initial setup was turn key. DirectEmployers Association is much more capable..."

David W.

"My company switched over to DirectEmployers a little over a year ago and it has been one of our best moves yet! As Federal Contractors we must adhere to a plethora of compliance regulations and this platform allows us to do so with ease. Also they have extraordinary webinars! The..."

Verified User in Government Administration

"I like the simplicity of DirectEmployers Association and how it lets me take a hands-off approach once everything is set up. The account managers are engaged and willing to help whenever needed. The initial setup was very simple, and I really appreciate these aspects of the service."

Brad L.

"We have had the best transition experience ever. Everyone on the team was amazing and made it as seamless as possible. We have our crossposting set up and are notified if something seems off. We have access to all of our outreach and reporting efforts and the platform is incredibly..."

Ashley H.
Ashley H.

"What I like best is the peace of mind that comes from their deep expertise in VEVRAA and Section 503 regulations. They don't just provide a platform; they provide guidance, ensuring our job feeds are distributed to the required state and federal job boards correctly and efficiently. This expertise, combined..."

Errin R.

"I appreciate the strong partnership DirectEmployers Association provides for navigating a complex and evolving compliance landscape. Their tools and resources are invaluable for operationalizing compliance, helping to significantly reduce risk and providing confidence that compliance requirements are being met."

Stephanie W.
Stephanie W.

"What I appreciate most about DirectEmployers Association is their strong commitment to supporting employers through innovative compliance and recruitment solutions. The team is knowledgeable, responsive, and genuinely invested in helping members succeed."

Gaby W.

"I love the fact that DirectEmployers Association is constantly checking in on us without micromanagement. They genuinely reach out to ask how they can help, whether we need new training, or if there's anything else they can do for us. It's refreshing compared to the typical sales calls, as they..."

Kristin G.

"I rely on DirectEmployers Association to handle OFCCP compliance and manage outreach through tools like PRM and the partner library, which saves me from having to oversee these tasks directly. I like the collaboration and analytics features that help me view job performance effectively. Initial setup was very easy."

Nicole M.

"I really appreciate DirectEmployers Association for their great customer service. They are always willing to train and go the extra mile for us. Also, when we reach out for a partnership and don't get a response, they investigate to update the appropriate contacts in their system and provide other options..."

Jennifer C.

"I've worked with DirectEmployers at several companies now, and each time we renew or bring them on and have a chance to review competitors, there's just no other entity that can do what they do to the extent that they do it. "

Verified User in Hospital & Health Care

"The member support team at DirectEmployers Association has been outstanding. They're patient and let us learn at our own speed. I find the training and demonstrations have been easily followed and comprehensive, guiding us through the platform effectively. The initial setup was turn key. DirectEmployers Association is much more capable..."

David W.

"My company switched over to DirectEmployers a little over a year ago and it has been one of our best moves yet! As Federal Contractors we must adhere to a plethora of compliance regulations and this platform allows us to do so with ease. Also they have extraordinary webinars! The..."

Verified User in Government Administration

"I like the simplicity of DirectEmployers Association and how it lets me take a hands-off approach once everything is set up. The account managers are engaged and willing to help whenever needed. The initial setup was very simple, and I really appreciate these aspects of the service."

Brad L.

"We have had the best transition experience ever. Everyone on the team was amazing and made it as seamless as possible. We have our crossposting set up and are notified if something seems off. We have access to all of our outreach and reporting efforts and the platform is incredibly..."

Ashley H.
Ashley H.

"What I like best is the peace of mind that comes from their deep expertise in VEVRAA and Section 503 regulations. They don't just provide a platform; they provide guidance, ensuring our job feeds are distributed to the required state and federal job boards correctly and efficiently. This expertise, combined..."

Errin R.

"I appreciate the strong partnership DirectEmployers Association provides for navigating a complex and evolving compliance landscape. Their tools and resources are invaluable for operationalizing compliance, helping to significantly reduce risk and providing confidence that compliance requirements are being met."

Stephanie W.
Stephanie W.

"What I appreciate most about DirectEmployers Association is their strong commitment to supporting employers through innovative compliance and recruitment solutions. The team is knowledgeable, responsive, and genuinely invested in helping members succeed."

Gaby W.

"I love the fact that DirectEmployers Association is constantly checking in on us without micromanagement. They genuinely reach out to ask how they can help, whether we need new training, or if there's anything else they can do for us. It's refreshing compared to the typical sales calls, as they..."

Kristin G.

"I rely on DirectEmployers Association to handle OFCCP compliance and manage outreach through tools like PRM and the partner library, which saves me from having to oversee these tasks directly. I like the collaboration and analytics features that help me view job performance effectively. Initial setup was very easy."

Nicole M.

"I really appreciate DirectEmployers Association for their great customer service. They are always willing to train and go the extra mile for us. Also, when we reach out for a partnership and don't get a response, they investigate to update the appropriate contacts in their system and provide other options..."

Jennifer C.

"I've worked with DirectEmployers at several companies now, and each time we renew or bring them on and have a chance to review competitors, there's just no other entity that can do what they do to the extent that they do it. "

Verified User in Hospital & Health Care

"The member support team at DirectEmployers Association has been outstanding. They're patient and let us learn at our own speed. I find the training and demonstrations have been easily followed and comprehensive, guiding us through the platform effectively. The initial setup was turn key. DirectEmployers Association is much more capable..."

David W.

"My company switched over to DirectEmployers a little over a year ago and it has been one of our best moves yet! As Federal Contractors we must adhere to a plethora of compliance regulations and this platform allows us to do so with ease. Also they have extraordinary webinars! The..."

Verified User in Government Administration

"I like the simplicity of DirectEmployers Association and how it lets me take a hands-off approach once everything is set up. The account managers are engaged and willing to help whenever needed. The initial setup was very simple, and I really appreciate these aspects of the service."

Brad L.

"We have had the best transition experience ever. Everyone on the team was amazing and made it as seamless as possible. We have our crossposting set up and are notified if something seems off. We have access to all of our outreach and reporting efforts and the platform is incredibly..."

Ashley H.
Ashley H.

"What I like best is the peace of mind that comes from their deep expertise in VEVRAA and Section 503 regulations. They don't just provide a platform; they provide guidance, ensuring our job feeds are distributed to the required state and federal job boards correctly and efficiently. This expertise, combined..."

Errin R.

"I appreciate the strong partnership DirectEmployers Association provides for navigating a complex and evolving compliance landscape. Their tools and resources are invaluable for operationalizing compliance, helping to significantly reduce risk and providing confidence that compliance requirements are being met."

Stephanie W.
Stephanie W.

"What I appreciate most about DirectEmployers Association is their strong commitment to supporting employers through innovative compliance and recruitment solutions. The team is knowledgeable, responsive, and genuinely invested in helping members succeed."

Gaby W.

"I love the fact that DirectEmployers Association is constantly checking in on us without micromanagement. They genuinely reach out to ask how they can help, whether we need new training, or if there's anything else they can do for us. It's refreshing compared to the typical sales calls, as they..."

Kristin G.

"I rely on DirectEmployers Association to handle OFCCP compliance and manage outreach through tools like PRM and the partner library, which saves me from having to oversee these tasks directly. I like the collaboration and analytics features that help me view job performance effectively. Initial setup was very easy."

Nicole M.

"I really appreciate DirectEmployers Association for their great customer service. They are always willing to train and go the extra mile for us. Also, when we reach out for a partnership and don't get a response, they investigate to update the appropriate contacts in their system and provide other options..."

Jennifer C.

"I've worked with DirectEmployers at several companies now, and each time we renew or bring them on and have a chance to review competitors, there's just no other entity that can do what they do to the extent that they do it. "

Verified User in Hospital & Health Care
The DirectEmployers Difference

Why Choose DirectEmployers Association?

DirectEmployers Association combines compliance authority, member collaboration, and practical support.

Member-Owned

A member-owned nonprofit focused on service, not profit-driven vendor relationships.

Deep Expertise

Over 25 years helping federal contractors navigate OFCCP compliance requirements nationwide.

Trusted Partners

Hand-vetted disability, veteran, state, and community partners expand meaningful outreach reach.

Human Support

Real people provide training, guidance, and support without an automated help desk.

Meet Our Member Development & Disability Inclusion Experts

Get to know the Member Development professionals and disability inclusion experts who help employers navigate DirectEmployers solutions, strengthen outreach, and support inclusive employment practices.

Portrait of AJ Selvey, VP, Membership Development at DirectEmployers Association

AJ Selvey

VP, Membership Development

AJ Selvey is Vice President of Membership Development at DirectEmployers Association, where he leads the Membership Development, Member Engagement, and Quality Assurance teams. Since joining the Association in 2010, he has drawn on more than 20 years of experience in recruitment, staffing, sales, compliance, and human capital management to guide Members and prospects. His expertise includes job listing syndication, veteran recruitment, search and mobile optimization, recruiting technology, and VEVRAA and Section 503 compliance. AJ holds a BA from Hanover College. Outside work, he enjoys time with his wife and four daughters, cheering from the soccer sidelines, and golfing.

Portrait of Dee Anne Faller, Regional VP, Membership Development at DirectEmployers Association

Dee Anne Faller

Regional VP, Membership Development

Dee Anne Faller is Regional Vice President of Membership Development at DirectEmployers Association, where she has served Members since 2007. She helps employers strengthen recruitment strategies, streamline processes, and address VEVRAA and Section 503 compliance through collaboration and practical tools. Before joining DirectEmployers, Dee Anne was a project manager at RenoSys Corporation and helped build her family’s women-owned Handyman Connection franchise, managing 15 contractors. She holds a BA in General Studies from IUPUI and a human resources certificate from Purdue University. Outside work, she enjoys renovation projects, including mudding, taping, sanding, and demolition.

Portrait of Greg Clements, Regional VP, Membership Development at DirectEmployers Association

Greg Clements

Regional VP, Membership Development

Greg Clements is Regional Vice President of Membership Development at DirectEmployers Association, where he has spent 14 years helping Members strengthen recruitment and compliance strategies. Drawing on his knowledge of VEVRAA and Section 503 regulations, Greg advises employers on lowering cost per hire, improving recruitment through search and mobile solutions, and using reporting tools to support OFCCP compliance. Raised in a rural farming community, he brings a strong work ethic and practical, service-focused approach to every relationship. Greg takes pride in ensuring Members receive attentive support, achieve their goals, and have solutions that make their work more efficient.

Portrait of Callie Gable, Regional VP, Membership Development at DirectEmployers Association

Callie Gable

Regional VP, Membership Development

Callie Gable is Regional Vice President of Membership Development at DirectEmployers Association, where she helps Members maximize their membership and navigate federal contractor obligations. Her background spans sales, operations, digital recruitment marketing, employer branding, healthcare recruiting, and medical practice management, where she led up to 50 employees. She also contributed to a SaaS startup pilot with the Washington State Department of Labor. Callie holds degrees in business administration and communications from Indiana Wesleyan University. Outside work, she enjoys time with her husband and three daughters and sharing her lifelong love of horseback riding with them.

Portrait of Neil Donovan, Regional VP, Membership Development at DirectEmployers Association

Neil Donovan

Regional VP, Membership Development

Neil Donovan is Regional Vice President of Membership Development at DirectEmployers Association. He advises Members across industries on VEVRAA and Section 503 outreach, recruitment compliance, and strategies for expanding the reach of their employment opportunities online. Neil brings more than 20 years of internet recruitment experience, including seven and a half years with DirectEmployers subsidiary Recruit Rooster. His guidance helps organizations connect recruitment goals with solutions tailored to their needs. Outside work, Neil enjoys time with his daughter, attending IU, Colts, Pacers, Notre Dame, and Cubs games, and watching historical and true-crime documentaries.

Portrait of Michelle Krefft, M.S., Disability & Community Outreach Specialist at DirectEmployers Association

Michelle Krefft, M.S.

Disability & Community Outreach Specialist

Michelle Krefft, M.S. is the Disability & Community Outreach Specialist at DirectEmployers Association. In this role, she works within the Strategic Partnerships team to build relationships with disability organizations that can support DirectEmployers Members looking to advance disability employment outcomes internally and conduct outreach for OFCCP compliance purposes. She is also available to help educate DirectEmployers Members on how they can work with Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) counselors nationwide to promote diversity and inclusion within their organizations for better recruitment and retention of individuals with disabilities. She brings 24 years of experience to her role with DirectEmployers, having spent the entirety of her time with Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services where she held various titles ranging from Career Counselor to Bureau Chief of Business Engagement. She was also a National Employment Team (NET) point of contact with the Council of State Administrator Vocational Rehabilitation (CSAVR) for 18 years. Through these roles, she was able to help employers become disability friendly workplaces and assisted in the placement of qualified applicants in roles within these inclusive organizations. She also built the business engagement division, developing policies and procedures, conducting hiring and training, and more. Michelle holds a Masters of Science Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from Drake University and is a Certified ADA Coordinator. Advancing her skills and certifications, she graduated from NRLI (National Rehabilitation Leadership Institute) in 2022 and received the National Rehabilitation Association (NRA) Job placement professional of the year award. In addition, she served as the disability subject matter expert on the Greater Des Moines Partnership Inclusion Council for 16 years. In her free time, she can be found at the gym, shopping, or having coffee with friends. Her and her husband share a joy of traveling, taking many mini trips stateside, with one, exciting international trip each year. She is also a proud mother, with a son soon to enter medical school.

Frequently Asked Questions

What month is National Disability Employment Awareness Month?

National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) is observed every October, and is led by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP). It is a nationwide opportunity for employers, agencies, and communities to recognize the contributions of workers with disabilities and recommit to inclusive employment practices. For federal contractors, October is also a timely moment to review Section 503 outreach, accessibility, documentation, and disability inclusion practices.

What is Section 503 compliance?

How can employers connect NDEAM with Section 503 best practices?

How does DirectEmployers Association support Section 503 compliance?

What outreach partners should federal contractors use for disability hiring?

What documentation is important for a Section 503 audit?

Can Section 503 compliance be managed alongside VEVRAA requirements?

What training helps improve disability inclusion during NDEAM?

Have Section 503 Questions?

Connect with the DirectEmployers team for practical guidance and next steps.

Recognized & Trusted

Awards and Recognition

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Central Indiana Top Workplaces

Recognized by The Indianapolis Star as a Top Workplace for six consecutive years, reflecting a strong employee culture and people-first workplace.

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Stevie® Awards for Sales & Customer Service

Three consecutive years of Bronze recognition for customer service excellence, honoring the Member Engagement team's high-touch support.

Stevie Silver American Business Award logo

Stevie® American Business Awards®

Silver recognition for the Member Engagement team's service excellence, along with Gold and Bronze honors recognizing DEAMcon's standout event experience.

Strengthen Your Section 503 Strategy

Tell us about your HR compliance needs, outreach goals, or NDEAM priorities, and our team will guide you toward the right membership solutions.

Contact Us Today

For immediate assistance, feel free to give us a direct call at 866.268.6206.