For many years, the month of October is marked of disability employment issues that are important to the disability community.
This month celebrates the 75th year of National Disability Employment Awareness. The theme titled “Increasing Access and Opportunity” for this year’s observance was included in a press release from the U.S. Department of Labor. The observance culminates in the Department’s commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
“Ensuring that America’s workplaces continue to include and accommodate people with disabilities will be an important part of our economic rebound,” said U.S. 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 before the pandemic. A vigorous economic rebound and job growth will, alongside the Americans with Disabilities Act, increase access and opportunity for Americans with disabilities.”
“People with disabilities are experienced problem solvers with a proven ability to adapt,” said 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.”
The agency’s efforts include selecting NDEAM’s annual theme, announced earlier in the year, to enable organizations nationwide to plan their own observances. In any industry and community organizations, employers of any size, advocacy groups, and schools are encouraged to participate.
For more information, go to www.dol.gov/ndeam.
