This month we celebrate the 77th anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). Observed annually in October, NDEAM celebrates the contributions and talents of America’s workers with disabilities.
Since the start of NDEAMs history, many advances in disability rights have been made. In the past, employers could refuse to hire you if you were disabled. However, there is still more work to be done. 1 in 4 adults in the U.S. have a disability, yet they are three times less likely to be be employed and have a difficult time receiving promotions and fair pay.
Disability is a part of the equity equation. Each October, it is important to recommit to promoting equal opportunity for all people and educating the public about disability employment issues. “Their contributions have historically been vital to our nation’s success and are more important today than ever. We must build an economy that fully includes the talent and drive of those with disabilities” says U.S. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh.
Scioto Properties is proud to be a part of this year's National Disability Employment Awareness Month. We want to spread the important message that we value all perspectives, including those of individuals with disabilities.
Find a way to participate in NDEAM and advocate for equal opportunity by visiting www.dol.gov/NDEAM.\
The History of National Disability Employment Awareness Month
1945 | Congress enacted a law declaring the first week in October each year "National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week."
1962 | the word "physically" was removed to acknowledge individuals with all types of disabilities.
1988 | Congress expanded the week to a month and changed the name to National Disability Employment Awareness Month.
Sources
https://www.dol.gov/agencies/odep/initiatives/ndeam/resources
https://www.whatcanyoudocampaign.org/celebrate-ndeam/
https://www.inclusivecitymaker.com/disability-statistics-in-the-us/#:~:text=Around%2061%20million%20adults%20in%20the%20United%20States%20live%20with%20a%20disability.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2022/09/30/a-proclamation-on-national-clean-energy-action-month-2022/
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