October Marks 70th Anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the return of service members with disabilities from World War II sparks public interest in the contributions of people with disabilities in the workplace. On August 11, 1945, President Harry S. Truman approves a Congressional resolution declaring the first week in October “National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week.” In 1962, the word “physically” is removed to acknowledge the employment needs and contributions of individuals with all types of disabilities.

Held each October, National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) is a time to celebrate the many and varied contributions of America’s workers with disabilities.  The theme for this year — which marks 70 years since the first observance — is “My Disability is One Part of Who I Am.”

Signed into law in 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is civil rights legislation that works to increase the inclusion of people with disabilities in all aspects of community life, including employment.  At Berkeley Lab, we are committed to delivering on the promise of the ADA, not only for today’s workers with disabilities, but also future generations.  Additionally, the Lab is inviting staff to participate in our Employee Resource Group to address disability inclusion in the workplace.  To learn more, please click here or email the Diversity and Inclusion Office at dio@lbl.gov.  To learn more about disability etiquette, visit the Job Accommodation Network website.