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National Disability Employment Awareness Month

Collage of arrows in various colors pointing forward, with images of disabled people at work. The text reads “Advancing Access & Equity, National Disability Employment Awareness Month, Celebrating 50 years of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.” Also #NDEAM, #RehabAct50 and dol.gov/ODEP.

National Disability Employment Awareness Month, as defined by the Law Library of Congress, "celebrates and recognizes the accomplishments in the workplace of men and women with disabilities and reaffirms the commitment to ensuring equal employment opportunities to all citizens."

For legislation, Presidential Proclamations, and Executive Orders pertaining to this commemoration, visit the Law Library of Congress' National Disability Employment Awareness Month: A Commemorative Observances Legal Research Guide.

The U.S. Department of Labor has announced the theme for 2022 National Disability Employment Awareness Month is "Advancing Access and Equity." For additional details visit the Office of Disability Employment Policy Website.

Online Resources

Disability History: An Important Part of America's Heritage

The 1977 Disability Rights Protest That Broke Records and Changed Laws

Disability Etiquette  Prepared by the Job Accommodation Network 

Guideposts for Success  The transition from youth to adulthood is challenging for almost every young person. This is particularly true for young people with disabilities. Yet, it is in those crucial transition-age years that a young person’s future can be determined. The Guideposts can help steer families, institutions, and youth themselves through the transition processes.

Building an Inclusive Workforce A Four-Step Reference Guide to Recruiting, Hiring and Retaining Employees with Disabilities

Office of Disability Employment's Americans with Disabilities Act page

ADA Library  Provides links to information from various government agencies regarding the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008 and Title I through Title V.

Disabilities at Work: Successful Job Hunting for People with Disabilities - Access to this video series is limited to current SJR State students and employees. "We’re all differently abled. But for job seekers with diagnosed disabilities, identifying and making visible their strengths, their abilities, is especially important. This three-part series helps people with disabilities gain the confidence, awareness, search tools, and interview strategies necessary to take the job-hunting bull by the horns. From online resources that can pinpoint skills and interests…to organizations and Web sites that can clarify legal questions…to concrete advice on preparing a resume, completing an application, and sitting down face-to-face with a potential employer…this is an up-to-date guide to greater prosperity, empowerment, and productivity. Inspiring case studies and expert interviews are featured throughout. A Cambridge Educational/MotionMasters Coproduction. 3-part series, 23–28 minutes each."

Now Streaming: Employment Matters

Employment Matters"Employment Matters is a documentary by Canadian filmmaker Brandy Yanchyk that explores the untapped market and huge potential of the intellectually disabled in the workplace. The film shows how businesses like CBI Health, Mammoet, The Organic Box, Bonton Bakery, Asher's Amazing Popcorn, The Whitemud Equine Centre and the City of Edmonton are leading the way with inclusive hiring. The documentary was originally made for CBC and was filmed in Alberta and British Columbia."

Not rated

45 minutes

Current SJR State students and employees can stream this film for free on the Alexander Street platform.