Broad Effort to Observe National Disability Employment Awareness Month
We are honored that the Lake County Ohio Commissioners passed a resolution to proclaim October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). Listen to the live stream of their October 6, 2022 meeting at https://youtu.be/ETvVjZ1ZwZU via @YouTube.
NDEAM is an annual awareness campaign that takes place each October. The purpose of NDEAM is to educate about disability employment issues and celebrate the many and varied contributions of America’s workers with disabilities.
The history of National Disability Employment Awareness Month traces back to 1945 when Congress enacted a law declaring the first week in October each year “National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week.” In 1962, the word “physically” was removed to acknowledge the employment needs and contributions of individuals with all types of disabilities. In 1988, Congress expanded the week to a month and changed the name to National Disability Employment Awareness Month.
“Our national recovery from the pandemic cannot be completed without the inclusion of all Americans, in particular people with disabilities,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh. “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.”
“Throughout the month, the Lake County Board of DD/Deepwood will be engaging in a variety of activities to educate its community on disability employment issues and its commitment to an inclusive work culture,” said Elfie Roman, LCBDD Superintendent.
These efforts include posts across social media @DeepwoodLakeDD to highlight the success of work relationships and talents of individuals in Lake County who have developmental disabilities, as well as participation in events with the public and local businesses.
“We’re honored that the Lake County Commissioners passed a resolution to proclaim October as NDEAM,” added Roman. “Our local community truly supports our mission and leads by example.”
Employers and employees in all industries can learn more about how to participate in National Disability Employment Awareness Month and ways they can promote its messages — during October and throughout the year — by visiting www.dol.gov/NDEAM.
