Grateful for the important role performed by workers with disabilities, Goodwill Industries International commemorates National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) this October. This year’s theme for NDEAM, administered by the Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy, is “#InclusionWorks,” which underscores the important role played by workers with disabilities in enhancing workplace diversity.
Throughout its history, Goodwill and its independent member organizations have sought to meet the needs of all job seekers. To this day, we offer programs for youth, seniors, veterans and those with disabilities to reach their full potential through education, skills training and the power of work.
NDEAM’s origins date back to 1945, when Congress declared the first week of October as “National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week.” The name was changed in 1962 by omitting the word “physically” to acknowledge workers with all types of disabilities. The period of recognition was extended to the full month of October in 1988.
“By fostering a culture that embraces individual differences, including disabilities, businesses profit by having a wider variety of tools to confront challenges,” said Deputy Assistant Secretary of Labor for Disability Employment Policy, Jennifer Sheehy. “Our nation’s most successful companies proudly make inclusion a core value. They know that inclusion works.”
For 114 years, Goodwill has worked to support job seekers with disabilities and specialized circumstances through training, placement and employment efforts.
Goodwill believes that by assisting all workers to achieve their full potential, we are able to build stronger communities. We are proud to celebrate the wonderful achievements of Goodwill program participants, and all employees with disabilities, during National Disability Employment Awareness Month.