National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) is recognized each October to commemorate the many contributions of people with disabilities to America’s workplaces and economy. The theme for NDEAM 2021, “America’s Recovery: Powered by Inclusion,” reflects the importance of ensuring that people with disabilities have full access to employment and community involvement during the economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Check out these resources from the U.S. Dept. of Labor and continue to support students and employees with disabilities throughout the year.
For Students:
- Workforce Recruitment Program – Recruitment and referral program that connects federal and private sector employers nationwide with highly motivated college students and recent graduates with disabilities who are eager to prove their abilities in the workplace through summer or permanent jobs.
- Job Accommodation Network (JAN) – Employers, service providers and individuals can receive free, confidential and expert one-on-one guidance on workplace accommodations and disability employment issues
- Lime Connect – Lime Connect represents the largest network of high-potential university students and professionals – including veterans – who happen to have disabilities in the world.
- disABLED Person, Inc – We work with employers who have a strong desire to hire qualified applicants with diverse backgrounds. Apply today for a great opportunity to work for a company that is committed to hiring individuals with disabilities.
- Ability Links – Connects a dynamic talent pool of applicants with disabilities to a network of employers that value disability inclusion.
For Employers:
- Review your company’s policies to ensure they convey a commitment to an inclusive workplace culture. For assistance in doing so, see Inclusion@Work (in particular the first section, “Lead the Way: Inclusive Business Culture”).
- Launch a disability Employee Resource Group (ERG). Sometimes referred to as Employee Networks or Affinity Groups, ERGs offer employees an opportunity to connect and receive support from others with similar backgrounds or interests. For more information, see A Toolkit for Establishing and Maintaining Successful Employee Resource Groups [PDF].
- Train supervisors. Consider conducting training to ensure they understand their role in fostering an inclusive workplace culture. One easy way to provide such training is to make use of available “turn-key” training modules and available materials, such as the Building an Inclusive Workforce [PDF] tabletop desk guide.
- Educate employees. It is critical that companies committed to disability inclusion effectively and regularly reinforce that commitment to employees. Several ready-to-use resources can assist in facilitating such activities, such as disability etiquette materials and the “I Can” public service announcement and accompanying workplace discussion guide. Another option is to contact local disability organizations to see if they offer workplace training programs.
For Educators and Counselors:
- Hold a discussion. Find an opportunity to discuss the topic of disability employment with students, particularly those at an age when they are considering career options and learning about the world of work. One easy way to do so is to use the “I Can” public service announcement and accompanying youth discussion guide.
- Educate about disability history. Despite the number of people with disabilities in the U.S. and the fact that they represent all races, classes and cultures, many people are unaware of the rich history of the disability movement. For an overview of major milestones in disability history and resources for educators to enhance awareness of it, see Disability History: An Important Part of America’s Heritage[PDF].
- Engage student leaders. Faculty advisors to groups such as student councils and student-led publications or other media can suggest NDEAM as a possible hook for content during October. For example, a student council might invite a local community leader with a disability to a meeting to speak about his or her experiences. Likewise, student reporters might interview such an individual or write an article/produce a segment on the contributions of many famous people with disabilities throughout America’s history.
