(September 24, 2019) — The Evansville Advisory Board on Disability Services today announced its participation in National Disability Employment Awareness Month, an annual awareness campaign that takes place each October. The purpose of National Disability Employment Awareness Month is to educate about disability employment issues and celebrate the many and varied contributions of America's workers with disabilities. This year's theme is "The Right Talent, Right Now."

The history of National Disability Employment Awareness Month traces back to 1945 when Congress enacted a law declaring the first week in October each year "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. In 1988, Congress expanded the week to a month and changed the name to National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

"Every day, individuals with disabilities add significant value and talent to our workforce and economy," said U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta. "Individuals with disabilities offer employers diverse perspectives on how to tackle challenges and achieve success. Individuals with disabilities have the right talent, right now."

Reflecting this year's theme, throughout the month, the Evansville Advisory Board on Disability Services encourages local businesses and organizations to consider hiring individuals with disabilities. "The Evansville Advisory Board on Disability Services is proud to be a part of this year's National Disability Employment Awareness Month," said Matt Hoffman, Chairperson of the Evansville Advisory Board on Disability Services. “When companies do not hire individuals with disabilities, they may be missing some of the best and the brightest. We want to encourage employers to value all perspectives, including those of individuals with disabilities."

Employers and employees in all industries can learn more about how to participate in National Disability Employment Awareness Month and ways they can promote its messages — during October and throughout the year — by visiting www.dol.gov/NDEAM. For additional information, contact the Evansville Advisory Board on Disability Services at (812) 436-4927.