Vermont observes National Disability Employment Awareness Month

Vermont’s Governor’s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities (GCEPD) has announced its participation in National Disability Employment Awareness Month, an annual awareness campaign that takes place each October. The purpose of National Disability Employment Awareness Month is to educate about disability employment issues and celebrate the many and varied contributions of America's workers with disabilities.

Congress first enacted a law for such observance in 1945; in 1988, Congress expanded the observance from a week to a month and changed the name to National Disability Employment Awareness Month. 

"Employers who ensure that inclusive workplace policies and practices are woven into the fabric and culture of the organization create an environment that encourages all workers — including those of us with disabilities — to work to their full capacity and contribute fully to the organization's success," said Kathy Martinez, assistant secretary of labor for disability employment policy when announcing this year's National Disability Employment Awareness Month theme, which is "A Strong Workforce is an Inclusive Workforce: What Can YOU Do?"  The U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) leads National Disability Employment Awareness Month. 

Reflecting this year's theme, throughout the month the GCEPD will be engaging in a variety of activities to educate the public on disability employment issues including: a broad-based video marketing campaign  (go to http://youtu.be/yBxOy9daOuQ) and the publication of educational materials in newspapers, our electronic newsletter, “Abilities”, and on our website – www.hireus.org.  In addition, the office of Governor Peter Shumlin has issued a proclamation recognizing Disability Employment Awareness Month in Vermont.    

“The GCEPD is proud to be a part of this year's National Disability Employment Awareness Month," said April Tuck, GCEPD Chair. "We want to spread the important message that a strong workforce is one inclusive of the skills and talents of all individuals, including individuals with disabilities." 

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 the ODEP website at www.dol.gov/odep/.