Observed in October, National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) is a nationwide campaign celebrating the many and varied contributions of America’s workers with disabilities. This year marks not only the 75th observance of NDEAM, but also the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This year’s theme is: "Increasing Access and Opportunity."
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 Vice President
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.
