National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) will be taking place across the country in October. It is a chance for organizations across the U.S. to show their support for individuals with disabilities in helping them gain employment.
This year's theme is 'Inclusion Drives Innovation,' and it has been chosen to highlight the benefits that organizations can achieve through an ongoing commitment to increased diversity within their workforce.
A brief history of NDEAM
Launched in 1945 by the U.S. Department of Labor, NDEAM began under the guise of 'National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week.' However, in 1962 the word 'physically' was dropped, as the annual campaign was extended to include those with non-apparent disabilities as well.
In 1988, the scope of the campaign was expanded further to encompass an entire month of activities and celebrations that not only demonstrate the benefits of increasing employment for individuals with disabilities, but also recognize those organizations that are driving inclusion in their workforce.
Inclusion truly does drive innovation
Research by Forbes Insights shows a commitment to inclusivity can have a positive impact on innovation within a business, with 48 percent of respondents strongly agreeing that a diverse and inclusive workforce helps in the creation of different perspectives and ideas that will drive innovation.
For businesses, a diverse and inclusive workforce can also help to ensure your products and services are respectful of your clients' cultures and are positioned sensitively and correctly in the marketplace. This means a focus on hiring individuals from diverse backgrounds and those with disabilities.
Attracting more individuals with disabilities can play a crucial role in this process, as outlined by U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta when announcing this year's NDEAM theme. He stated, "Smart employers know that including different perspectives in problem-solving situations leads to better solutions. Hiring employees with diverse abilities strengthens their business, increases competition and drives innovation."
What does NDEAM mean to Getting Hired?
NDEAM is one of our busiest times each year, as we work with partners around the nation to spread the message of inclusivity among U.S. businesses for all individuals with disabilities. This year is no different, but it is an annual celebration we are always happy to support.
"At Getting Hired, we see our role as more than just connecting employers to job seekers with disabilities; we are passionate about providing a personal impact for individuals with disabilities and that's the driving force behind everything we do," says Lawrence Wilde, Account Manager for Getting Hired.
As such, we want to thank our employer partners that sponsor NDEAM as they continue to support individuals with disabilities with finding meaningful work. It is our pleasure to partner with like-minded and supportive organizations, which are committed to hiring individuals with disabilities across the country. Thank you!
Thank you to 2017 NDEAM sponsors:
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Contributions to this blog were made by Lawrence Wilde, Account Manager at Getting Hired.