By Michael Caprara
The Viscardi Center is joining the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy in recognizing National Disability Employment Awareness Month, an annual awareness campaign that takes place each October. The purpose of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (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 is “Advancing Access and Equity.”
The history of NDEAM traces back to 1945, when it started as a week and focused only on people with physical disabilities. Later, it expanded to a full month, and its name and scope evolved to acknowledge the importance of increasing the workforce inclusion of people with all types of disabilities.
“Our communities and economy are strengthened by the inclusion of all people, including people with disabilities,” said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Disability Employment Policy Taryn M. Williams. “Their contributions have historically been vital to our nation’s success and are more important today than ever. We must build an accessible, equitable economy that fully includes the talent and drive of those with disabilities.”
Reflecting this year’s theme, throughout the month, The Viscardi Center will be engaging in a variety of activities to educate employers, organizations, public agencies, and the public in general on disability employment issues and its commitment to an accessible and equitable work culture. These efforts include the Center’s Digital Accessibility Services team attending the DREAM Symposium in Albany and M-Enabling Summit in DC, presenting at the USDA – Target Center, as well as hosting a workshop at SILO’s annual self-advocacy conference. Viscardi’s President and CEO, Dr. Chris Rosa will also be delivering the closing remarks at the conference. Continuing its expansion of programming for entrepreneurs with disabilities, the Center is kicking off a series of workshops this month in partnership with Hofstra University.
“The Viscardi Center is proud to be a part of this year’s National Disability Employment Awareness Month,” said Dr. Chris Rosa. “We want to spread the important message that we value all perspectives, including those of individuals with disabilities, with a special focus on digital accessibility services.”
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.
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Michael Caprara Chief Information Officer, The Viscardi Center |