“I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.”
– L.M. Montgomery
The vibrant month of October features many opportunities to appreciate this wonderful world that we live in. Cooler weather, orange pumpkins, LOTS of Halloween candy, colorful leaves – signals that a welcome change in season is upon us. And after the year we have experienced, change is indeed welcome more than ever! This month will also provide the occasion to spotlight employees with disabilities, by observing the annual National Disability Employment Awareness Month, also known as NDEAM.
The genesis for NDEAM goes back to 1945, when Congress set aside the first week of October to focus on employment for citizens who had disabilities. It has evolved since then to include the entire month of October to recognize the contributions and value of employees with disabilities. This year marks not only the 75th observance of NDEAM, but also the 30th anniversary of the ADA. These milestones are being honored with a range of events and activities. The theme for this year’s event is "Increasing Access and Opportunity."
How can you support the National Disability Employment Awareness Month? Some suggestions for employers and employees are as simple as putting up a poster; to more comprehensive activities, such as initiating a disability education program. The Department of Labor, Office of Disability and Employment Policy (the supporting agency for NDEAM) provides additional ideas and suggestions on the ODEP website. Whatever action is chosen, your company will be actively involved in promoting a more inclusive, more productive, and more accessible workplace.
And don’t forget that the Rocky Mountain ADA Center is available to talk to your business about the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and how it can advance inclusion in the workplace. Contact us at 800-949-4232 or through our Rocky Mountain ADA Center website.
Official 2020 NDEAM Poster (available in English and Spanish)
2020 NDEAM Press Release