MVLE Joins Broad Effort to Observe National Disability Employment Awareness Month
Nationwide campaign will take place in October
MVLE is excited to announce our participation in National Disability Employment Awareness Month, an annual awareness campaign that takes place each October. The purpose of National Disability Employment Awareness Month is to educate about disability employment issues and celebrate the many and varied contributions of America’s workers with disabilities. This year’s theme is “The Right Talent, Right Now”
The history of National Disability Employment Awareness Month traces back to 1945 when Congress enacted a law declaring the first week in October each year “National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week.” In 1962, the word “physically” was removed to acknowledge the employment needs and contributions of individuals with all types of disabilities. In 1988, Congress expanded the week to a month and changed the name to National Disability Employment Awareness Month.
“Every day, individuals with disabilities add significant value and talent to our workforce and economy,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta. “Individuals with disabilities offer employers diverse perspectives on how to tackle challenges and achieve success. Individuals with disabilities have the right talent, right now.”
Reflecting this year’s theme, throughout the month, MVLE will be engaging in a variety of activities to educate our employment and community partners on disability employment issues and its commitment to an inclusive work culture. We will also be sharing stories of our individuals that are employed throughout the community! Make sure to follow those stories on our MVLE Facebook page here.
“MVLE is proud to be a part of this year’s National Disability Employment Awareness Month,” said April Pinch-Keeler, MVLE President & CEO. “We want to spread the important message that we value all perspectives, including those of individuals with disabilities.”
Employers and employees in all industries can learn more about how to participate in National Disability Employment Awareness Month and ways they can promote its messages — during October and throughout the year — by visiting www.dol.gov/NDEAM.