In 1945, in an effort to educate the American public about issues related to disability and employment, Congress enacted a law which brought into being the "National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week." It was held in the first week of October until, 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."

 

Each year a theme is chosen for the National Disability Employment Awareness Month, (NDEAM). In 2005, its 60th anniversary, the NDEAM message was “Workers with Disabilites – Ready for Tomorrow’s Jobs!”

 

This year, 2009, the theme will be Expectation + Participation = Full Opportunity and the message is that both those with disabilities and their employers must expect and work towards full participation in the workplace.

 

To support the campaign for worker equality, you can order NDEAM posters in Spanish or English for free online (up to a maximum  of 100 pieces) or print out pdf copies to psot up around your workplace and community.

 

For more information visit the U.S. Department of Labor website.