JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO, Texas –
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month and its purpose is to educate individuals about disability employment issues and celebrate the many and varied contributions of America's workers with disabilities. This year's theme is "Disability: Part of the Equity Equation."
The history of National Disability Employment Awareness 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.”
Reflecting this year's theme, throughout the month, Joint Base San Antonio will be engaging in a variety of activities to educate its members on disability employment issues and its commitment to an inclusive work culture.
These efforts include a disability accommodation Q&A session, a disability employment booth at this month’s Hiring Event, and informative posters throughout various high-traffic areas of JBSA.
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 www.dol.gov/NDEAM.