ODEP Announces Theme for 2017 Disability Employment Awareness Month

The Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) within the Department of Labor has announced that “Inclusion Drives Innovation” will be the theme for 2017’s National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), which is held annually in October. NDEAM is a national campaign that raises awareness about disability employment issues and celebrates the many and varied contributions of America’s workers with disabilities. NDEAM’s roots go back to 1945, when Congress enacted a law declaring the first week in October each year “National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week.” In 1962, the word “physically” was removed to acknowledge the employment needs and contributions of individuals with all types of disabilities. In 1988, Congress expanded the week to a month and changed the name to “National Disability Employment Awareness Month.” Upon its establishment in 2001, ODEP assumed responsibility for NDEAM and has worked to expand its reach and scope ever since.

 

 

• NDEAM 2017 Resource Toolbox
  • Drop-In Articles
  • Sample Proclamation
  • Sample Press Release
  • Sample Social Media Content
  • Social Media Accessibility Tips
• Campaign for Disability Employment

 

To get NDEAM resources or learn more about how your organization can participate, you may also use the following links:

• Ideas for Employers and Employees
• Ideas for Educators and Youth Service Professionals
• Ideas for Associations and Unions
• Ideas for Disability-Related Organizations
• Ideas for Federal Agencies