This month, the US celebrates National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). The month-long event recognises the often overlooked talent that people with disabilities bring to the workforce.
This is a milestone year of anniversaries for the disability community across the country. Not only is the US celebrating 30 years of the Americans with Disabilities Act, but also 75 years of NDEAM. The theme for this year’s event is “increasing access and opportunity”.
In 1945, Congress declared the first week of October National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week. In 1962, it dropped the word “physically” to include individuals with all types of disabilities. Congress then expanded the week to a month in 1988. It also changed the name to National Disability Employment Awareness Month.
ECONOMIC REBOUND ASSISTANCE
Every October, NDEAM reminds employers of the importance of inclusive hiring practices. “Ensuring that America’s workplaces continue to include and accommodate people with disabilities will be an important part of our economic rebound,” stated US Secretary of Labor, Eugene Scalia. “Looking ahead, the Department will remain focused on the policies that led to a strong economy and record-low unemployment rates for persons with disabilities prior to the pandemic. A vigorous economic rebound and job growth will, alongside the Americans with Disabilities Act, increase access and opportunity for Americans with disabilities.”
Many CEOs already recognise the importance of disability inclusion thanks to movements such as the Valuable 500 and Disability:IN. But it’s simply not enough for the business community to make a visible display of solidarity and representation when disability inclusion is trending internationally or nationally. Businesses need to commit to disability inclusion when the world stops watching, all year round.
DISABILITY INCLUSION & FLEXIBILITY
“People with disabilities are experienced problem solvers with a proven ability to adapt,” stated Office of Disability Employment Policy Deputy Assistant Secretary, Jennifer Sheehy. “Now more than ever, flexibility is important for both workers and employers. National Disability Employment Awareness Month celebrates the ingenuity people with disabilities bring to America’s workplaces.”
NDEAM is encouraging employers of all sizes in all industries – as well as community organisations and schools – to participate. For more information about NDEAM, including ideas for how your organisation can participate, visit the website.
Also check out the Business Disability Forum’s upcoming event this month, Disability today and tomorrow: Living in a post-pandemic world. The two-day virtual conference will give employers the opportunity to discuss disability inclusion issues resulting from the pandemic.
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