October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), and this year’s theme is “America’s Workforce: Empowering All.”
This month, we celebrate the contributions of workers with disabilities to promote the value of a workforce inclusive of the skills and talents of disabled workers.
NDEAM has a long history. In 1945, Congress declared the first week in October “National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week.” In 1962, the word “physically” was removed to acknowledge the employment needs and contributions of individuals with all types of disabilities. Congress expanded the week to a month in 1988 and changed the name to “National Disability Employment Awareness Month.” When the Office of Disability Employment Policy was established in 2001, expanding the reach of NDEAM became one of its objectives.
Every October, employers of all sizes and across many industries observe and celebrate NDEAM, doing everything from displaying NDEAM posters to implementing disability education programs.
Here in Austin, the Texas HireAbility Capital Region Job Fair will connect employers with people with disabilities looking for meaningful employment. This free event will be on October 12, 2018 from 9 am to 12 pm at ESC Region 13 (5701 Springdale Rd Austin, TX 78723). To learn more, visit our Special Events page.
Interested in sharing the word about how disabled workers contribute to America’s workforce? Check out the 31 Days of NDEAM slideshow from the Department of Labor.
This October, let’s engage in fostering a more inclusive workforce that recognizes all workers for their abilities. How will you participate? Tell us in a comment below!
