Annually, the month of October carries many memorable meanings in tow. From the continuation of fall festivities and Halloween to Breast Cancer Awareness month, this time of year has a lot on its agenda. So, let’s bring attention to one more important October-based event: National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM).
NDEAM is in place “to educate about disability employment issues” states the U.S. Department of Labor “…[this] celebrates the many and varied contributions of America’s workers with disabilities”.
How did NDEAM come to be and what can you do to show support and bring awareness? Well, let’s talk about it.
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The history of NDEAM dates back over 70 years. In 1945, Congress passed legislation declaring the first week of October “National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week”. However, due to controversy over the word “physically”, the term was dropped to promote inclusivity to all disabled workers— both the mentally and physically impaired.
It wouldn’t be until 1988 that workplace awareness for the disabled would be extended from a week to a month by Congress.
With 2022 marking the 77th anniversary of NDEAM, each year carries a new focus alongside it. This year’s theme is “Disability: Part of the Equity Equation”, which highlights the many contributions that disabled individuals bring in the forms of diversity and depth to a multitude of career sectors. A 2022 press statement provided by the U.S. Department of State proclaimed that “a workforce inclusive of persons with disabilities is critical to achieving broad-based economic growth around the world”.
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Learning the history behind this awareness and the unique business practices that should be taken, are at the very core of creating an inclusive workplace.
Creating accessible workspaces with the appropriate technology and infrastructures is a great place to start, and many companies are already implementing this. Also, make time to sit down with your disabled employees and co-workers—in a respectful manner— and learn more about their specific disability and the proper etiquette that pertains to it. An icebreaker such as this steers away from any misleading stigmas that may surround the impairment plus this lets them know that you’re an ally and that their success matters to you!
Many strides have been made to equalize the workplace as we step into a more progressive society, however, there’s always room for improvement and it starts with you. Be open-minded when hiring, make the company’s culture comfortable for all, and most importantly, educate yourself.
Zawna Woodard
Reporter