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Get ready to celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month this October 1! This month-long observance has been recognized since 1988 and aims to raise awareness about disability employment issues and celebrate the contributions of workers with disabilities. It's a time to recognize the important role that individuals with disabilities play in our workforce and promote inclusive workplaces for all. So let's come together and celebrate diversity, inclusivity, and the value of every individual in the workplace!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1945</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week</div><div class='timeline-text'>The U.S Congress originally allocated one week in October to raise awareness for than workers with physical disabilities, starting the journey towards inclusion.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1962</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Drop In the Word 'Physically'</div><div class='timeline-text'>In order to inclusively acknowledge all disabilities, not just physical ones, the word 'physically' was dropped from the title of the awareness week.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1988</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Transition to a Whole Month</div><div class='timeline-text'>U.S. Congress extended the recognition to an entire month, beginning the National Disability Employment Awareness Month we now know.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1990</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Americans with Disabilities Act</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was passed, prohibiting discrimination based on disability and enforcing provisions for reasonable accommodations in workplaces.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2010</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Increased Protection</div><div class='timeline-text'>The ADA Amendments Act provided greater protections against disability discrimination, emphasizing the definition of “disability” to cover more individuals.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2020</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>COVID-19 Pandemic Challenges</div><div class='timeline-text'>Both opportunities and challenges were presented for disabled workers due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with remote work opportunities increasing but accessibility remaining a challenge.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a job fair for individuals with disabilities</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Partner with local businesses and organizations to host a job fair specifically for individuals with disabilities. This will provide them with the opportunity to showcase their skills and potentially find employment.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Organize a panel discussion on disability employment</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Invite individuals with disabilities who are successfully employed, as well as employers who have inclusive hiring practices, to participate in a panel discussion. This can help educate others on the importance of disability employment and break down stereotypes and misconceptions.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Partner with a local disability organization</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Collaborate with a local disability organization to raise awareness and support for disability employment. This could include hosting joint events, promoting each other’s initiatives, and providing resources for job seekers with disabilities.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Share success stories on social media</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Use social media to highlight individuals with disabilities who are thriving in their careers or businesses. This can help inspire others and showcase the benefits of inclusive employment practices.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Create a disability employment resource guide</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Put together a comprehensive guide of resources, organizations, and job opportunities specifically for individuals with disabilities in your community. This can serve as a valuable tool for job seekers and employers alike.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It promotes inclusivity and diversity in the workplace</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>National Disability Employment Awareness Month is a time to recognize and celebrate the unique abilities that individuals with disabilities bring to the workforce. By raising awareness, it encourages employers to consider and hire more individuals with disabilities, creating a more diverse and inclusive workplace.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It showcases success stories of individuals with disabilities in the workforce</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Throughout National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we hear inspiring stories of individuals with disabilities who have found fulfilling careers and overcome challenges in the workforce. These stories serve as role models for others and show that disability does not define one's capabilities or potential in the workplace.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It raises awareness about the importance of accessibility and accommodation</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>National Disability Employment Awareness Month also brings attention to the need for accessibility and accommodations in the workplace for individuals with disabilities. It highlights the barriers that many may face and the importance of creating an inclusive and accessible environment for all employees.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Disability Does Not Mean Inability</h3><p class='facts-content'>Many highly successful individuals have shown that a disability does not prevent one from thriving at work. This includes physicists like Stephen Hawking, successful entrepreneurs like Sir Richard Branson, and exceptional artists like Frida Kahlo—all of whom had disabilities.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Attractive Benefits for Employers</h3><p class='facts-content'>Employers who hire people with disabilities can qualify for various tax benefits, including the Work Opportunity Tax Credit, the Disabled Access Credit, and the Architectural Barrier Removal Tax Deduction.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Job Site Accommodations Can Be Simple</h3><p class='facts-content'>Contrary to common belief, many accommodations are typically inexpensive or even free. These can include modifying a work schedule, restructuring a job, or providing software like a screen reader.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Innovation Can Come From Inclusion</h3><p class='facts-content'>Having a diverse and inclusive workforce, including individuals with disabilities, can foster innovation in business. Different perspectives lead to more creative solutions to business challenges.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Large Pool of Potential Employees</h3><p class='facts-content'>According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 1 in 5 people has a disability, making the disabled community a substantial untapped pool of potential employees that may bring invaluable skills and perspectives to an organization.</p></div></div>
National Disability Employment Awareness Month is celebrated on October 1 every year. In 2024, National Disability Employment Awareness Month will occur on a Tuesday.
2023
Oct 1
Sunday
2024
Oct 1
Tuesday
2025
Oct 1
Wednesday
2026
Oct 1
Thursday
2027
Oct 1
Friday
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