This year, National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) highlights the "Value and Talent" of employees with disabilities and the contributions they bring to the workplace. In 2023, 46.3% of people with disabilities ages 18-64 were employed. South Dakota had the highest percentage with 61.1% employment of employees with disabilities - way to go, South Dakota!
This is no small workforce, and the positive impacts that employees with disabilities bring are many! Studies have shown that this population can
- bring higher revenue to the company
- enhance productivity
- add diverse backgrounds
- lower absenteeism rates
- produce higher retention rates
- increase creativity, innovation, and problem-solving skills
- And more!
BUT...this appreciation should extend beyond October and into the rest of the year! Here are some ways:
- Find and hire qualified people with disabilities
- Promote accessibility in general
- Review and update company policies to ensure they reflect ADA compliance
- Check out company website to ensure it/they are accessible
- Train staff throughout the year about federal laws that the company follows
- Form a disability Employee Resource Group if appropriate
- Celebrate your team members throughout the year (whether they have a disability or not)!
For more information on the elements of an accessible and welcoming workplace:
AskEARN | Creating an Accessible and Welcoming Workplace
Job Accommodation Network (JAN): Accessibility