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.