National Disability Employment Awareness Month

Often earmarked by changes in weather and the start of the holiday season, October also claims National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). This movement is designed to educate and advocate for disability related employment issues as well as celebrate the contributions of individuals with disabilities to the American workforce. 

With its origins tracing back to a 1945 Congressional meeting, NDEAM began as “National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week.” In 1962 it saw a name change to “National Employ the Handicapped Week” to be more inclusive of all types of disabilities. Its final name update and expansion came in 1988 to a full month of education and appreciation that we know today. 

This month is a perfect time to evaluate your workplace’s commitment to inclusion and accessibility on a foundational level. 

Here are some questions to get you started: 

• Is your application and hiring process inclusive and accessible?  

• Are your policies, practices, and workspaces inclusive for team members with disabilities? 

• Have you allocated a budget for providing accommodations to employees who require them? 

• Is your team trained to include and collaborate with individuals who have disabilities?  

• Are you including team members with disabilities in decision making that affects them? 

Inclusivity lies in physical, emotional, and mental accessibility to engage in workplace practices. We sat down with The Harkin Institute, famous for its inclusive, Universal Design, and learned more about simple ways to create more accessible workspaces.

Emotional and mental inclusivity considers not only if individuals will be physically comfortable in the space, but also included in the work that is being accomplished. Is your table of decision makers comprised with as many perspectives as possible? 

As you evaluate, don’t forget to celebrate. NDEAM is a great opportunity to highlight and appreciate the advancements in your workplace and industry brought on by individuals with disabilities.  

If your team could benefit from tools for building inclusive workplaces for the Deaf and hard-of-hearing, check out these free-to-download resources! 

For information about our Deaf Culture Training, visit our Training Solutions. 

Sources: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/odep/initiatives/ndeam, https://www.dodea.edu