Celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month
There is so much more to the month of October than pumpkin spice and Halloween movie marathons. October is also the time to celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month, and has been since 1945.
So, what exactly is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)?
Observed annually in October, NDEAM celebrates our nation’s workers with disabilities and raises awareness about the importance of inclusion policies and practices to see to it that all Americans who want to work, can work, as well as ensuring access to support and services enabling them to do so.
Why is it important?
Collectively, individuals with disabilities are one of the nation’s largest minority groups, at approximately 20 percent of the population. What’s more, people with disabilities cross all diversity segments - age, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation and socioeconomic status. This year’s theme, ‘The Right Talent, Right Now’ demonstrates the importance of what that diversity can bring to the table for employers, as individuals with disabilities offer diverse perspectives on how to tackle challenges and achieve success.
With increased awareness, continuous improvements to support and accessible technology, it is easier than ever for America’s employers to hire individuals with disabilities for high-demand jobs. At BLVD.com, we believe that a single action can make a difference in a community and greatly impact inclusion. We encourage you to visit the Department of Labor’s website and explore their suggestions for employers, educators and youth service professionals, associations, disability-related organizations, and federal agencies to celebrate National Disability Awareness Month.
My professional background stems from non-profit marketing and fundraising for a large children’s cancer hospital. Every day I was able to make connections and relationships for kids and their families going through devastating times. From securing small donations to large corporate support, it was all about providing hope that one day doctors and researchers would find a cure. It was truly an honor to be a part of something so important.
Just this past year, I came to work alongside my family for BLVD.com, a website dedicated to offering the latest information and resources for people needing mobility products. This was a dream come true for me as I have always wanted to combine more time with my family while still helping others. Our family has been in the mobility industry for over 35 years with the goal of enhancing the quality of life for people with mobility issues. This is the spirit behind BLVD and what I am most excited about sharing in my blog.
I love meeting new people and have found that volunteering is the best way to learn more about others and myself. Coffee keeps me going as do walks my pup "Kirby" and most of all being with family and friends. I invite you to check out my blog to learn more about how "together we can move through life better!"
