Diversability Joins Broad Effort to Observe #NDEAM

Diversability Joins Broad Effort to Observe National Disability Employment Awareness Month

Nationwide campaign will take place in October

Image description: The 2017 NDEAM theme–Inclusion Drives Innovation–appears at the top of the poster in large blue, black and red letters on a light-blue background that depicts the lobes of the brain. Running through the center of the poster are threads of small innovation icons such as computer screens, transmission towers and lightbulbs. The icon threads frame a roadway that contains four images of people with disabilities offering solutions in inclusive work environments. Below the roadway are the words National Disability Employment Awareness Month followed by hashtag NDEAM. At the bottom is DOL's logo with the following words: OFFICE OF DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT POLICY, UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF LABOR and the URL to ODEP's website dol.gov/odep.

Diversability today announced its participation in National Disability Employment Awareness Month, an annual awareness campaign that takes place each October. The purpose of National Disability Employment Awareness Month is to educate about disability employment issues and celebrate the many and varied contributions of America's workers with disabilities. This year's theme is "Inclusion Drives Innovation."

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.

"Americans of all abilities must have access to good, safe jobs," said U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta.

"Smart employers know that including different perspectives in problem-solving situations leads to better solutions. Hiring employees with diverse abilities strengthens their business, increases competition and drives innovation."

Reflecting this year's theme, throughout the month, Diversability will be engaging in a variety of activities to educate its members on disability employment issues and its commitment to an inclusive work culture. These efforts include supporting a panel event in New York City hosted by Berkeley College "Work Matters for All: Personal Stories of Disability and Professional Success" on October 18.

"Diversability is proud to be a part of this year's National Disability Employment Awareness Month," said Diversability founder Tiffany Yu. "We want to spread the important message that we value all perspectives, including those of individuals with disabilities."

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. Suggestions range from simple, such as putting up a poster, to comprehensive, such as implementing a disability education program. Regardless, all play an important part in fostering a more inclusive workforce, one where every person is recognized for his or her abilities — every day of every month.