America’s Recovery: Powered by Inclusion

Photo of Michigan Tech's husky dog statue in summer with people seated on benches around it.

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) and all members of the Michigan Tech community are encouraged to participate. The purpose of NDEAM is to educate about disability employment issues and celebrate the many and varied contributions of America’s workers with disabilities. This year’s theme, “America’s Recovery: Powered by Inclusion,” reflects the importance of ensuring that people with disabilities have full access to employment and community involvement during the national recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The History

The history of NDEAM as a heritage 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.

“Our national recovery from the pandemic cannot be completed without the inclusion of all Americans, in particular people with disabilities,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh. “Their contributions have historically been vital to our nation’s success, and are more important today than ever. We must build an economy that fully includes the talent and drive of those with disabilities.”

Graphical illustrated map of the US with diverse individuals outlining the outer map edges. Text reads: America's Recovery Powered by Inclusion, National Disability Employment Awareness Month.
Office of Disability Employment Policy’s 2021 NDEAM poster

For specific ideas about how the Michigan Tech community can support National Disability Employment Awareness Month, visit the Office of Disability Employment Policy’s NDEAM webpage. Suggestions range from simple, such as putting up a poster, to comprehensive, such as hosting a disability education program for your department. We all play an important part in fostering a more inclusive workforce, one where every person is recognized for their abilities — every day of every month.