Observed each October, National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), is a national campaign designed to shed light on disability employment issues and celebrate the contributions of America’s workers with disabilities. The theme for 2018 is “America’s Workforce: Empowering All.”
NDEAM’s roots go back to 1945, when Congress announced the first week in October of every year “National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week.” The word “physically” was removed in 1992 to acknowledge people with all types of disabilities. In 1988, Congress increased the week to a month and changed the name to NDEAM. The Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) took responsibility for NDEAM in 2001 when the agency was established.
Here are six ways you and your company can participate in National Disability Employment Awareness Month:
1. Review Current Work Policies
NDEAM is a great time of the year to review your company’s current policies regarding hiring people with disabilities. Take time to ensure that your company is conveying a commitment to an inclusive workplace environment.
2. Train Supervisors
During NDEAM, consider organizing a training seminar so your company’s leadership understands their role in fostering an inclusive workplace culture.
3. Educate Your Employees
It’s crucial that companies who are committed to disability inclusion continuously and effectively convey this mission to employees. The National Organization on Disabilities (NOD), has several guides on how to facilitate these practices.
4. Feature NDEAM Articles + Info on Your Company’s Social Media and Website
NDEAM and other similar organizations offer content for your company’s social media or website. These sample postings are a great way to share your company’s message about inclusive work environments with the world.
5. Participate in NDEAM Volunteer Opportunities
All month long, varies NDEAM chapters and like-minded organizations will feature opportunities to volunteer or gain better education on hiring people with disabilities. Learn more about the various ways to participate here.
6. Hire People with Disabilities!
The easiest way to show your support for NDEAM? Simply hiring people with disabilities! Go to Job One’s employment section to learn how you can start hiring people with disabilities at your company today.
– by Aaron Martin
Learn more about Job One’s commitment to hiring people with disabilities here.
Source: US Department of Labor.