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By Julie Hocker, Commissioner for the Administration on
Disabilities
Each year, October is designated as National Disability
Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) to recognize and celebrate the diversity
and talent people with disabilities bring to the workforce across our
nation every day. NDEAM is also a time when we renew our commitment to
ensuring that all people have equal opportunities at work, regardless of
disability.
At ACL’s Administration for Disabilities we continue to focus
on employment as a key pillar of community living. We know that people who
find meaningful work are happier and healthier, and are strong contributors
in their communities. While we have participated and led several events to
celebrate NDEAM, ACL strives all year round to lead and partner on national
programs and initiatives aimed at increasing the number of Americans with
disabilities who are working.
Recently while I was in San Diego to meet with state directors
of Developmental Disability Councils from across the nation, I had the
chance to visit the San Diego Disability Jobtoberfest. I met
with some of California’s most prominent disability advocates and
leaders and talked about the challenges and opportunities encountered by
people with disabilities who want to work. And I also met with dozens of
employers who are not just willing to hire people with disabilities—they
are ready and they are EAGER to hire people with disabilities. It was
exciting to talk with prospective employees – whether in the public,
private, or nonprofit sector. With resumes in hand, elevator pitches ready,
and questions on their minds, they spent the morning finding out about
entry level jobs to kick start their careers, as well as roles designed for
those with experience who are ready to take the next step. No matter their
station, skills, or education every person came prepared and excited to
talk about employment opportunities.
I had a blast at the job fair. The energy in the room fueled
me in a way few events could. And it reminded me: we must strive every
single day to not just remove physical barriers in the workplace (like
hard-to-open doors)—but invisible ones, too.
There are many misconceptions still in existence today about
people with disabilities, especially when it comes to work. Among those misconceptions
is the notion that people with disabilities can’t work, can’t work the same
jobs as their peers, or don’t want to work. We know this couldn’t be
further from the truth. And the job fair in San Diego is only one more
piece of evidence that people with disabilities are strong and uniquely
qualified job candidates and employees; we can thrive alongside our
colleagues at work; and we want to gain self-sufficiency and participate in
meaningful employment just as non-disabled people do.
It was a pleasure to spend the morning with individuals who
all shared the vision that America is a nation where all people – including
those with disabilities – can be welcomed into the workforce for their
talents and skills. We at ACL are thrilled to join with many of our federal
partners to continue to advance the work and partnerships it takes to
ensure more Americans with disabilities find and keep jobs. Happy NDEAM!
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