Today, ACL joins the country in celebrating the start of National Disability Employment Awareness Month and recognizing the often overlooked talents that people with disabilities bring to the workforce
President Donald Trump proclaimed October "a time to celebrate the contributions of Americans with disabilities to our country's workforce and economic strength" and "reaffirm our commitment to fostering opportunity for Americans of all abilities to apply their skills and talents in the workplace as they pursue their dreams."
The Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) selected "The Right Talent, Right Now" as this year's NDEAM theme. The theme emphasizes the essential role people with disabilities play in America’s economic success, especially in an era when historically low unemployment and global competition are creating a high demand for skilled talent.
To help you get involved, ODEP has developed a variety of resources, including:
- A 31 days of NDEAM slide show full of event ideas.
- An NDEAM poster in English and Spanish.
- Sample proclamation, press release, and social media content (along with tips on making your social media posts accessible).
- Activity ideas for employers, states and policymakers, educators and youth-serving professionals, and disability organizations.
ACL has a newly-updated collection of disability employment resources for people with disabilities and their families, employers, service providers and educators, and states and policy-makers.
ACL will be sharing stories, research, and resources all month long through this listserv, as well as on our Facebook and Twitter pages.