October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)! The Office of Disability Employment Policy in the Department of Labor puts on this annual campaign, which “celebrates the contributions of workers with disabilities and educates about the value of a workforce inclusive of their skills and talents” (National Disability Employment Awareness Month 2018, n.d.).
How did NDEAM begin?
NDEAM began in 1945. The campaign was established by President Truman after World War II as many individuals with disabilities returned home and needed work (National Disability Employment Awareness Month 2018, n.d.).
Hiring Individuals with Disabilities
There are countless benefits to hiring individuals with disabilities, such as:
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- Creating “an inclusive and diverse workplace culture” (Lindsay, S., Cagliostro, E., Albarico, M. et al., 2018, p.17)
- Higher customer loyalty & satisfaction (Lindsay, S., Cagliostro, E., Albarico, M. et al., 2018, p.17)
- Increased profits & cost-effectiveness (Lindsay, S., Cagliostro, E., Albarico, M. et al., 2018, p.15)
- Higher retention & less turnover (Lindsay, S., Cagliostro, E., Albarico, M. et al., 2018, p.15)
- Playing a role in ensuring individuals with disabilities have equal access to the workforce!
Are you an employer wondering how you can engage in NDEAM? Click here.
Source: Office of Disability Employment Policy
Sources:
Lindsay, S., Cagliostro, E., Albarico, M. et al. J Occupational Rehabilitation (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10926-018-9756-z
National Disability Employment Awareness Month 2018. (n.d.). In Office of Disability Employment Policy. Retrieved from https://www.dol.gov/odep/topics/ndeam/