October marks the 75th observance of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), which celebrates America’s workers with disabilities and reminds employers of the importance of inclusive hiring practices.
According to U.S. Secretary of Labor, Eugene Scalia, “Ensuring that America’s workplaces continue to include and accommodate people with disabilities will be an important part of our economic rebound. Looking ahead, the Department will remain focused on the policies that led to a strong economy and record-low unemployment rates for persons with disabilities prior to the pandemic. A vigorous economic rebound and job growth will, alongside the Americans with Disabilities Act, increase access and opportunity for Americans with disabilities.”
Jennifer Sheehy, Office of Disability Employment Policy Deputy Assistant Secretary adds, “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.”
Check out this video about a young man named, Ian Burkhart – a quadriplegic who is confined to a wheelchair most of the day – and his work with a local Long Island researcher, Chad Bouton, during his time at Battelle, the world’s largest nonprofit research and development (R&D) organization. Bouton is now Professor, Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine at Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research and Vice President, Advanced Engineering at Northwell Health.
For more information about NDEAM, including ideas for how your organization can participate, visit www.dol.gov/ndeam.