National Disability Employment Awareness Month was declared in 1988 by theUnited States Congress for the month of October to raise awareness of theemployment needs and contributions of individuals with all types ofdisabilities. The month is an extension of "National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week" originally observed during the first week of October beginning in 1945.[1] In 1962 the word "physically" was removed from that week to acknowledge the employment needs and contributions of individuals with all types of disabilities. Americans observe National Disability Employment Awareness Month by paying tribute to the accomplishments of the people with disabilities whose work helps keep the nation's economy strong and by reaffirming their commitment to ensure equal opportunity for all citizens.[2]
In 1945, the US government pushed to educate the public about issues relating todisabilities andemployment. That year Congress enacted Public Law 176, which declared the first week of October, every year, as 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.[3]Congress later expanded the first week of October to the entire month of October and changed the name to National Disability Employment Awareness Month in 1988.
TheRehabilitation Act of 1973 prohibits any public institutions that receive federal funds from discriminating on the premise of disability.[4] Only two years later in 1975, theEducation for All Handicapped Children Act was passed requiring public schools that accept federal funding to provide equal education and access to education for disabled children.[4] Years later in 1990, President Bush signed theAmericans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guaranteeing access to and prohibits discrimination against individuals with physical or mental disabilities.[4] In 2000, President Clinton signed an Executive Order, requesting for the federal government to hire 100,000 people with disabilities over the next five years.[4][5] The final major event that happened is when Congress created theOffice of Disability Employment Policy within the Department of Labor.[4][6]
Under the United States Department of Labor is anOffice of Disability Employment Policy. This office has created theDisability Employment Initiative (DEI) which aims to improve education, training and employment opportunities and outcomes for youth and adults with disabilities who are unemployed, underemployed and/or receivingSocial Security disability benefits.[6] Through the DEI, there are 70Disability Resource Coordinators. Along with State Project Leads, they serve to strengthen the capacity ofAmerican Job Centers in hopes of increasing employment opportunities for people with disabilities.[7]
With 62.7% of non-institutionalized persons 16 and older in the workforce, only 19.5% of which have disabilities.[9]
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