National Employment Awareness Month

In 1945, Congress established the first week of October as the Employ the Physically Handicapped Week. In 1998 the word “physically” was removed and the name was changed to National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Nowadays, the month of October commemorates the contributions of people with disabilities to America’s workplaces and economy.

This year, The theme for NDEAM is, “America’s Recovery: Powered by Inclusion,” highlights 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.

There is no better way to bring awareness to this subject than spreading this important video titled “I Can.” Here, you will have the opportunity to meet seven working people with disabilities demonstrating what they CAN do when given the opportunity. They work in different career fields ranging from corporate America to education, showing us the valuable contributions everyone can make in workplaces every day when diversity and inclusion are supported.

If you or a loved one is looking to join the workforce or need assistance on the job, check out the following resources:

Ready & Able is a statewide website that helps link people with disabilities to resources to help them prepare for and find employment.

Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) helps people with disabilities to prepare for, obtain or maintain employment and achieve independence.

Employment-related Personal Assistance Services (EPAS) is a Medicaid service for people with disabilities who work and need personal assistance in order to remain employed.

Utah Independent Living Centers (ILCs) assist people with disabilities to achieve greater independence by providing services and activities which enhance independent living skills and promote the public’s understanding, accommodation, and acceptance of their rights, needs and abilities.

If you have questions or need additional information, contact Utah Family Voices, and one of our parent consultants will be happy to assist you.