Opening Statement:
National Disability Employment Awareness Month is celebrated throughout the month of October. This awareness is especially important as all Americans should acknowledge the many various accomplishments of our disabled Americans within our communities and working in our workforce. The awareness first started in 1945, as many discussions were emerging because of veterans with disabilities returning home from World War II. Then President, Harry S. Truman, approved the resolution to start the National Disability Employment Awareness Month (N.D.E.A.M.) The original name for this awareness was “National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week,” and it was in 1962, the word ‘Physically’ was removed to be more inclusive of the contributions of people with other various disabilities.
History Of National Disability Employment Awareness Month
· National Disability Employment Awareness Month was created to educate the general public on the issues that workers with disabilities face and how employers can be more inclusive in their hiring practices.
· This celebration’s history started decades ago in 1945 when Congress enacted Public Law 176, which birthed what we know today as the National Disability Employment Awareness Month (N.D.E.A.M).
· Back in 1945 until 1962 the awareness was only celebrated for one week. It was 26-years later, the celebrations were extended to a whole month by Congress and renamed National Disability Employment Awareness Month in 1988.
· Another major step in the evolution of N.D.E.A.M came some years later in 2001 when the Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) was formed as an offshoot of the U.S. Department of Labor. ODEP took over the management of the N.D.E.A.M and was responsible for choosing the theme for each year, which usually happens at the beginning of the year to give companies and individuals more time for preparation.
· This year marks 76 years since the National Disability Employment Awareness Month was first celebrated. Organizations, companies, and individuals are encouraged to participate in spreading the word, especially at the ground level, where any form of outreach can be most effective.
National Disability Employment Awareness Month Timeline
1945 - Congress Enacts Public Law 176
Congress establishes National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week.
1962 - Inclusivity Upgrade
‘Physically’ in the name is dropped to make it more inclusive.
1988 - A New Name is Born
The name changes to National Disability Employment Awareness Month
2001 - ODEP Launches
The Office of Disability Employment Policy takes over the management of N.D.E.A.
National Disability Employment Awareness Month Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is National Disability Employment Awareness Month recognized?
N.D.E.A.M was established to focus on the varied contributions of individuals with disabilities to the workforce and economy of the United States. Their hard work in various sectors has helped bolster the economy in no small way.
2. What was the 2021 National Disability Employment Awareness Month Theme?
The theme for the 2021 National Disability Employment Awareness Month was, America’s Recovery and Powered by Inclusion. It pointed out the importance of ensuring that individuals with disabilities have employment opportunities as the nation recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic.
3. What Color Ribbon Represents Special Needs?
Yellow and blue ribbons are the awareness ribbons for developmental disabilities. If you want to show some support, wear those colors!
How To Observe National Disability Employment Awareness Month
· Review Your Company Policies
A great way to show support to employees is to take time to review your company's culture by double-checking that those with disabilities are included.
· Hold A Discussion
The N.D.E.A.M is the perfect opportunity to organize discussions, especially for students, centering around disability employment. This is especially important because they are at an age when they are considering career options and having all this information will help them make the right choices.
· Create An N.D.E.A.M Press Release
This is a good tip for government agencies, legislators, and policymakers. Formal statements reiterating the commitment of the state to foster inclusive workplace culture for employees with disabilities will highlight the importance of this holiday.
Why National Disability Employment Awareness Month Is Important
N.D.E.A.M Educates the Public
One of the reasons why N.D.E.A.M is important is that it highlights the struggles of people with disabilities. This is especially true in the labor market where it may not be as easy for disabled individuals to get jobs.
N.D.E.A.M Creates Job Opportunities
The National Disability Employment Awareness Month is a great period for people with disabilities to get jobs. Many states organize job fairs that connect people with disabilities and organizations.
N.D.E.A.M Helps Individuals with Disabilities Acquire Skills
Several initiatives make this period special for people with disabilities. Some states partner with local health care institutions and community colleges to help individuals with disabilities acquire marketable skills that can help them get jobs.
Closing Statement:
Other great information I researched and learned about concerning this awareness was, the Human Rights Activist, Justin Dart Jr. is the hero of human rights and the “father” of the Americans with Disabilities Act. An aggressive supporter of the N.D.E.A.M. is our very own, Department of Defense (D.O.D) as they employ thousands of individuals with various disabilities. The Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) is responsible for running the N.D.E.A.M. I’m hoping this year all companies, large, medium, or small will post on their social media how many disabled employees they employ and what type of positions they hold. The actual results from these numbers may possibly be low or not 100% accurate due to many individuals with invisible/hidden disabilities tend to keep their disability confidential fearing that their co-workers will not be understanding of their challenges, future advancement, possible discrimination, or harassment within the workplace. Only employers can help with ongoing discussions, webinars, and being dedicated to educating their employees concerning all disabilities, the accomplishments, and contributions our disabled workers bring to all aspects of the workforce not only in the United States but worldwide.
Source of Information: Various Google Searches (personal comments added)
Until Next Week, Stay Safe and Well!