The month of October is the month when disabled Americans along with their families observe National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Please support this very important organization and join in celebrating and honoring the many accomplishments of the men and women throughout the country with disabilities whose work helps keep our economy strong. Americans with disabilities work hard every day by confirming their commitment and determination to ensure equal opportunity for all disabled citizens.
Each October, National Disability Employment Awareness Month celebrates America’s workers with disabilities and reminds companies of all sizes the importance of wide-ranging hiring practices. Employers of any size, in any industry, community organizations, various groups, and schools are encouraged to participate in this extremely important program and celebration.
Recently Jennifer Sheehy, Deputy Assistant Secretary - Office of Disability Employment stated, “People with disabilities are experienced problem solvers with a proven ability to adapt. Now more than ever, flexibility is important for both workers and employers. National Disability Employment Awareness Month celebrates the ingenuity people with disabilities bring to America’s workplaces.”
Being employed and remaining employed is important to an individual’s sense of purpose, dignity, financial growth, and ultimately resulting in a happier life and living an independent lifestyle.
On a personal note, as a disabled American, being employed has helped me tremendously and I feel it will only get better for me in the future.
Noted below is a short list of disabled American individuals who paved the way for many of us. A huge thank you goes out to all of them and the many more not mentioned.
· Temple Grandin – Consultant to the livestock industry on animal behavior, and an autism spokesperson (Disability - Autism)
· Paul Orfalea - Founder of the most successful American copy store chain and became a billionaire after selling his company to FedEx (Disability – ADHD and Dyslexia)
· Elon Musk – Entrepreneur and billionaire – (Disability – Autism)
· Stephen Hawking – Famous theoretical physicist – (Disability – ALS)
· Marla Runyan - An American track and field athlete, road runner, and marathon runner who has been legally blind since birth (Disability - Visually impaired – Blind)
· Dan Aykroyd - Actor and Film Writer (Disability – Autism)
· Anthony Hopkins – Actor (Disability – Autism)
· Ted Turner - Founder of Turner Broadcasting and CNN and billionaire (Disability – bipolar disorder)
· Jane Pauley - TV anchor and journalist (Disability – bipolar disorder)
· Jim Carrey – An American actor, comedian, and millionaire (Disability - ADHD and Dyslexia)
· Cher – An American actress, singer/entertainer, and millionaire (Disability – ADHD and Dyslexia)
Source of Information: Various Google Searches
Until next week, stay safe and well!
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