October marks National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) in the United States. This time is designated to raise awareness about issues affecting Americans with disabilities and celebrate their many and varied contributions.
An estimated 20% of adults in the U.S. have a disability, though the disabling conditions their severity vary widely.
This year’s theme for NDEAM is Expect. Employ. Empower. What does that mean, exactly? According to Kathy Martinez, the assistant secretary of labor for the Office of Disability Employment Policy, this theme conveys the need for advancing disability employment through the following steps:
- Expect: The initiative starts with creating an atmosphere of expectation, particularly among American youth, that starts at home and continues through school and into the workplace that we all have a role to play in fighting for the inclusion of those who are disabled.
- Employ: The second part of this year’s theme is centered around what employers can do to put disabled workers higher on the priority list to foster a “more disability-inclusive” work culture.
- Empower: The final part of the puzzle is ensuring the opportunities for disabled Americans to use their skills and talents to contribute to society, for their benefit and the benefit of the community.
The Houston disability attorneys at The Law Offices Of M. Stanley Whitehead help disabled Americans understand their rights and pursue disability benefits. If you have been denied for benefits through Social Security, Veterans Affairs or a long-term disability insurance provider, contact us today for assistance.
