Disability Employment: NDEAM 2019

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month. “The Right Talent, Right Now,” is this year’s theme for #NDEAM, created by the @USDOL #ODEP. Together, we join professionals’ nationwide supporting disabled men, women and students reach their full employment potential. These individuals and businesses include:

-          vocational rehabilitation and workforce center personnel

-          school administrators

-          employers, and

-          nonprofit organizations.

The federal government’s history assisting #PeopleWithDisabilities dates back to 1920. President Woodrow Wilson signed into law the Smith-Fess Act, also known as the Civilian Vocational Rehabilitation Act, 99 years ago. This Act established the Vocational Rehabilitation program for American #WorldWar1 #Veterans with physical disabilities.

A few highlights over the years include:

-          Wagner-O’Day Act, 1938 requires federal agencies to purchase products made by people who are blind.

-          “National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week,” the first week in October, 1945.

-          Education for All Handicapped Children Act/Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 1975.

-          Americans with Disabilities Act, 1990 prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life. #ADA

-          Section 508, 1998 requires federal agencies to make electronic and information technology accessible to people with disabilities. #Section508

What are you doing to foster an inclusive #workforce this month? Share your ideas using #NDEAM. #DisabilityAwareness

Factory worker