NDEAM’s history dates back to 1945, when Congress declared
the first week in October each year as “National Employ the Physically
Handicapped Week.” In 1962, the word “physically” was dropped to acknowledge
individuals with all types of disabilities. In 1988, the federal legislature
expanded the week to a month and changed the name to National Disability
Employment Awareness Month.
“National Disability Employment Awareness Month is a
national initiative designed to increase the employment of people with
disabilities,” said Christina Lyon, Allegany Arc’s Director of Vocational
Services. “Every day, people with disabilities can and do add value to
America’s workplaces. The NDEAM campaign’s goal is to drive positive change
through the hiring, retention and advancement of people with disabilities in
America’s workforce and by illustrating that at work, it’s what people can do
that matters.”
“There are a variety of potential financial incentives that
a business may utilize when they employ people with disabilities such as the
Federal Work Opportunity Tax Credit, NYS Workers with Disabilities Employment
Tax Credit, Work Try-Out, On-The-Job Training, Job Coach Services,
Architectural/Transportation Tax Deduction and Small Business Tax Credit,” said
Lyon. “With a tight job market, one in which skilled, dedicated workers are
hard to find, it is important to look everywhere for talent. Recruiting should
extend to nontraditional sources, including individuals with physical, mental,
and communication disabilities. If you are interested in diversifying your
business, please contact me at (585) 593-3005 ext. 227.”
Learn how Allegany Arc’s ACHIEVE Career Consultants provide
multiple avenues for individuals with intellectual and developmental
disabilities to prepare for and become successful members of the workforce
community through avenues such as community and vocational assessments, school
to work programs, job placement, supported employment and on-site simulated job
training experiences by visiting www.AlleganyArc.org/ACHIEVE.
