The Amputee Coalition is proud to be a part of this year’s National Disability Employment Awareness Month. We are helping spread the important message that we value diverse perspectives, including those of individuals with disabilities. National Disability Employment Awareness Month is an annual awareness campaign that takes place each October, with the express purpose of educating the public about disability employment issues and celebrating 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. 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 dol.gov/ndeam.