This month is the 75th observance of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), which celebrates the skills and creativity of disabled individuals and reminds employers to utilize inclusive hiring practices. It’s also Learning Disabilities Awareness Month (LDAM), which is dedicated to sharing information about learning disabilities, which can affect the acquisition and development of oral and written language skills, as well as reading and math skills.
Disability Employment Awareness
People with disabilities have long been underrepresented in the workforce. There are many reasons for this, including unintentional bias, low expectations on the part of employers, and general lack of awareness about the scope of talent available. Issues like race and gender inequality have also received more attention.
The reality is that only 29 percent of Americans with disabilities between the ages of 16 and 64 participate in the workforce, this as compared to 75 percent of those without a disability. Accenture’s 2018 Getting to Equal report also reminds us that the unemployment rate for people with disabilities is more than twice that of those without a disability.
With 15.1 million people of working age living with disabilities, that’s a large and largely untapped labor pool, which is why the theme of this year’s NDEAM is “Increasing Access and Opportunity.”
Technology: Making the Workforce More Accessible
Individuals with disabilities have to overcome more than just their specific disability (or disabilities). Access to education can be an issue in terms of developing the knowledge base and skills needed to do a particular job. Transportation to and from work can also be a challenging, sometimes insurmountable obstacle.
But advances in technology have made the workforce more accessible than ever before. Disabilities that affect vision, mobility, and dexterity can make it difficult to access traditional web platforms, but there are new tools that can overcome many of those barriers.
For example, someone who is visually impaired might be able to use a voice platform instead of a visual interface. There are now devices that are able to “read” brain waves and act on intent and thoughts, creating opportunities for those who might not have been able to communicate or do a task. Technologies like virtual reality, augmented reality, artificial intelligence and autonomous vehicles promise to open even more opportunities in the future, including new ways to meet, collaborate, and be more productive.
The pandemic has played a role in speeding up progress. Employers are more flexible and more accepting of new approaches to “getting the job done.”
Ways to Celebrate NDEAM
There are countless different ways to raise awareness about disability employment issues, not only during the month of October but year-round.
If you’re an employer, it’s always a good time to review company policies to make certain you are committed to an inclusive workplace. You should also train supervisors to make sure they understand the importance of fostering an inclusive workplace culture. Another great idea is to hold a disability mentoring day that includes job shadowing and a hands-on training program.
If you’re part of a disability-related organization, you can sponsor a virtual event for local employers on the topic of disability employment. You’re also encouraged to reach out to local media to suggest that they highlight the talents and accomplishments of disabled individuals in the workforce. Also, consider developing a disability employment webpage for local employers, and don’t forget to feature NDEAM in your company newsletter and on your social media platforms.
Finally, if you’re an educator or part of a youth service organization you should discuss the topic of disability employment with students. Also, bring in guest speakers from disability service organizations and/or people with disabilities to discuss their jobs and experiences in the workforce. You can also suggest that student-led publications cover the topic and educate students about disability history.
Learning Disabilities Awareness
As for learning disability awareness, it’s helpful to understand that there are three broad categories of learning disabilities involving reading, writing and math.
An individual with Dyslexia (difficulty reading) has difficulty with word recognition and may have trouble with spelling and reading comprehension. A person with Dysgraphia (difficulty writing) typically has difficulty with vocabulary and grammar and may be unable to compose complete and grammatically correct sentences. Finally, Dyscalculia (difficulty with math) is characterized by an inability to recognize numbers and symbols and challenges with understanding abstract concepts like fractions.
An individual can have more than one learning disability, which shouldn’t be surprising, as speaking, reading, writing and arithmetic involve many of the same brain functions. There are also other disabilities that are related to learning disabilities, including Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), where a child has difficulty controlling his or her behavior and/or paying attention. By raising awareness we can help ensure that no child falls through the cracks and that every individual gets the support they need to thrive.
Ways to Celebrate LDAM
There are countless ways one can help raise awareness about learning disabilities, including teaching a friend or family member about one or more learning disabilities and what causes them. You can also share a success story of someone who has overcome a learning disability, offering hope—and perhaps inspiring action—on the part of people experiencing similar issues. You can also encourage local media to spotlight the accomplishments of an individual who has overcome a learning disability to succeed at school, at work, or in a creative endeavor.
History of National Disability Employment Awareness Month
NDEAM dates back to 1945 when Congress established the first “National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week.” The word “physically” was removed in 1962 so as to include people with all manner of disabilities. In 1988, Congress expanded the week to a month and changed the name to National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Employers, community organizations, advocacy groups and schools are all encouraged to participate.
History of Learning Disabilities Awareness Month
October was originally designated Learning Disabilities Awareness Month in 1985. By raising awareness, individuals with learning disabilities have had a greater opportunity to lead full and productive lives and make larger contributions to society.