Photo Credit: United States Census Bureau
Photo Description: Living with disabilities statistics
National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)
National Disability Employment Awareness Month has annually been celebrated in October. During this month, we celebrate the contributions of American workers with disabilities. NDEAM aims to empower individuals with disabilities and also spread education to workforces for understanding and accommodations. Teamwork is an important aspect and it is important to see and embrace every individual making it happen. Research groups, guest speakers, and charities/ donations are advocating to bring awareness.
How You Can Help
Choosework.ssa.gov came up with 5 ways that you can help advocate for (NDEAM) 1. Spread the word about National Disability Employment Awareness Month on social media. Share pre-written messages with your friends and followers online to spread the word about the NDEAM – a person’s disability is just one part of who they are.
2. Use hashtag #WhoIAmPSA to share what makes you who you are.
Smart employers understand the value of an inclusive workplace that welcomes all of them – openly, without fear or worry of discrimination. That’s because your distinct skills add value. As a part of NDEAM, the Department of Labor and Campaign for Disability Employment encourages you to share what makes you who you are using the hashtag: #WhoIAmPSA. We all have many different sides to ourselves. How do you describe yourself to others?
3. Tell us what you can do!
What are your job skills and talents? Your story will increase employers’ awareness of the talents and skills that people with disabilities contribute to the workplace and help challenge misunderstandings about disability and employment.
4. Read and share Ticket to Work Success Stories.
The Ticket to Work program provides employment services for Social Security disability beneficiaries age 18 through 64 who want to work. The program is free and voluntary. Do you know someone who receives Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits and wants to work? Read and share these Success Stories to learn how people receiving disability benefits from Social Security are finding employment with help from the Ticket to Work program.
5. Participate in Disability Mentoring Day.
Mentoring can provide you with advice and guidance about working, and can help you grow your network. Disability Mentoring Day promotes career development for students and job-seekers with disabilities through hands-on career exploration and ongoing mentoring relationships. Email [email protected] to find a mentor near you.
Citations:
https://choosework.ssa.gov/blog/5-ways-to-support-national-disability-employment-awareness-m onth
Written by: Anthony Fasulo, MSW-C
