“Access to good jobs for all” is the theme of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) 2024. This October, we celebrate the contributions of workers with disabilities while advocating for equal employment opportunities. NDEAM is a reminder that providing access to quality jobs is not just a goal, but a fundamental human right. As we celebrate NDEAM, let’s consider how we can collaborate to create more rewarding work opportunities with good wages and benefits for individuals with disabilities. Removing barriers to quality jobs is key to building a more inclusive and prosperous society for all.
NDEAM traces its beginnings to 1945 when Congress, recognizing the employment challenges faced by World War II veterans, established a week-long observance. Over the past 79 years, this initiative has evolved into a month-long national campaign. Today, NDEAM shines a spotlight on the persistent barriers people with disabilities face in finding sustainable employment, while also celebrating their significant contributions to our workforce and economy.
This year’s theme, “Access to good jobs for all,” highlights the ongoing need for equal employment opportunities in our society. It emphasizes the importance of quality, fulfilling jobs that provide fair wages, benefits, and opportunities for career advancement. This theme recognizes that true workplace inclusion goes beyond simply hiring individuals with disabilities; it involves creating an environment where they can thrive professionally. By focusing on access to good jobs, NDEAM 2024 aims to shift the conversation from basic employment to meaningful career opportunities.
Our NDEAM celebration continues throughout the month. Check out the following resources for more information.
Employment Resources
Explore comprehensive employment resources designed to empower individuals with disabilities and support employers in fostering inclusive workplaces. These resources provide insights into employment benefits, available supports, and employee rights, including workplace protections and reasonable accommodations. Employers can also find guidance on creating accessible environments, fulfilling their legal responsibilities, and supporting workers through Minnesota’s Reasonable Accommodation Fund.
Employer Reasonable Accommodation Fund
Minnesota’s Reasonable Accommodation Fund helps employers create inclusive workplaces by providing financial assistance for reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities. This state-funded initiative covers costs for necessary modifications, assistive technology, or other accommodations that ensure equal employment opportunities. By using this resource, employers can meet their legal obligations while fostering an environment where all employees have the support they need to succeed.
Disability:IN – NDEAM 2024
Disability:IN is a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting business disability inclusion worldwide, providing valuable support to both employees and employers. Their wide range of resources focuses on fostering inclusive employment, including:
- Accommodations: Guidance on providing reasonable workplace modifications to ensure accessibility.
- Disability Inclusion: Strategies for creating a culture that values and supports employees with disabilities.
- Digital Accessibility: Tools and best practices to make digital environments accessible to everyone.
To commemorate NDEAM, Disability:IN has also created some special resources. These include social graphics, Zoom backgrounds, and a social media toolkit (Word) to help encourage conversations around disability employment.
Barriers to Employment
This blog series explores the significant barriers people with disabilities face when seeking employment in Minnesota. Policy Consultant Sumukha Terakanambi covers five issues: lack of information about available supports, denial of reasonable accommodations, limited transportation, support programs that discourage work, and insufficient access to legal resources. Each post includes personal stories, policy insights, and proposed solutions to these ongoing challenges.
A Brief History of NDEAM
National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) has a rich history, beginning in 1945 as a week dedicated to supporting World War II veterans returning to the workforce. Over the decades, it has grown into a month-long campaign celebrating the contributions of all workers with disabilities. This October, we encourage employers to implement inclusive workplace policies to foster an environment where every employee can succeed.
How You Can Continue to Celebrate NDEAM
National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) is coming to a close, but that doesn’t mean the advocacy and awareness have to end. MCD and the disability community fight for inclusive employment opportunities year-round. There are countless ways to celebrate NDEAM. These ideas are just a few ways to provoke conversations, inspire change, and celebrate employees with disabilities every day of the year.