October may evoke visions of falling leaves, pumpkin patches, apple cider and Halloween. But October is also National Disability Employment Awareness Month 2016 (NDEAM), which recognizes and celebrates the contributions of American workers with disabilities.
The US has recognized NDEAM in one form or another since 1945 and the 2016 theme is #InclusionWorks. And it’s true – hiring people with disabilities benefits both employers and employees in a variety of ways.
So, we have a few ideas for how you can recognize NDEAM this year.
Display #InclusionWorks materials.
Show your employees, customers and visitors that you value diversity in the workplace by displaying #InclusionWorks posters. The US Department of Labor Office of Disability Employment Policy offers posters in English and Spanish, which you can either order through their website or download and print. Or you can make your own.
Take a history lesson.
Are you familiar with disability employment history in the US? Scroll through the DOL’s timeline to learn more about major happenings, including the landmark passages of the Wagner-O’Day Act in 1938 and the Javits-Wagner-O’Day Act in 1971. These acts require federal agencies to procure certain supplies and services from nonprofits employing people with disabilities.
Establish a relationship with a local nonprofit.
You might not be proactively recruiting candidates with disabilities, or know how to reach them. Reach out to a local nonprofit that works with people with disabilities and establish a partnership in order to connect with candidates. And it helps you start thinking about how your organization can appeal to a wider array of candidates with disabilities.
Host a lunch & learn.
Hosting an educational lunchtime event is a great way to recognize National Disability Employment Awareness Month 2016. For instance, bring in a speaker to discuss such topics as accommodations, how to talk about disability or the experience of finding and retaining employment as a person with a disability. Starting dialogue among your employees and raising awareness are what NDEAM is all about.
