Each of us knows someone who inspires us by overcoming obstacles we may question whether we ourselves would have the strength to overcome. October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), and FEW celebrates our members and colleagues in the government workforce who contribute so much to this great country by overcoming some challenge, seen or unseen. The 2022 theme – Disability: Part of the Equity Equation – speaks to FEW’s Diversity Focus.
National Disability Employment Awareness Month calls attention to the issues people with disabilities face, particularly in employment. The month is sponsored by President’s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities. Congress passed Resolution No. 176 in 1945, designating the first week in October of each year as National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week. In 1962, a change in terminology replaced “handicap” with “disability” and “physically” was removed from the name to
recognize the employment needs of all persons with disabilities. In 1988 Congress expanded the week to a month and changed its name to National Disability Employment Awareness Month.
In his Presidential Proclamation recognizing NDEAM 2022, President Biden noted this: This month, let us acknowledge workers with disabilities who make our communities, our economy, and our Nation stronger. Let us continue the legacy of generations of disability rights activists who have
fought for equal employment opportunities, integrated workplaces, and equal pay for equal work. Let us deliver the promise of America to all Americans.
I encourage each of you to Level Up your support and engagement with our colleagues that NDEAM was established to recognize and to join FEW in celebrating their contributions and accomplishments.