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national disability employment awareness month

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). Although the work to support individuals to obtain and maintain competitive integrated employment continues throughout the year, NDEAM presents an opportunity to recognize, celebrate, and confirm our commitment to ensuring individuals with disabilities have access to employment opportunities.

Proclamation From Governor Josh Shapiro
In recognition of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, Governor Josh Shapiro issued a proclamation to highlight Pennsylvania’s efforts in ensuring everyone has the right to competitive integrated employment opportunities. The proclamation is attached to this email.

Employment Events Across the Commonwealth
To celebrate NDEAM, the Office of Developmental Programs’ (ODP) is highlighting some of the many NDEAM and other employment related events happening across the Commonwealth this October. Please note this list is not exhaustive, and there may be other events happening in your local community.

Download the National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) Event Schedule here

Employment Data:

As of January 2024:

  • 8,239 individuals, ages 18-64, enrolled with ODP had “Competitive Integrated Employment” or CIE.
  • 4,548 individuals enrolled with ODP were utilizing ODP’s employment services.

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) defines Competitive Integrated Employment as work that is performed on a full-time or part-time basis for which an individual is:

  • Compensated at or above minimum wage and comparable to the customary rate paid by the employer to employees without disabilities performing similar duties and with similar training and experience.
  • The Individual receives the same level of benefits provided to other employees without disabilities in similar positions; at a location where the employee interacts with other individuals without disabilities; and presents opportunities for advancement similar to other employees without disabilities in other positions.

October marks National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), a time to celebrate and promote inclusive work environments. Join the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) for an insightful discussion on the history of NDEAM, the Employment First movement, and Pennsylvania’s commitment to advancing inclusive employment opportunities. Discover how Employment First has shaped ODP’s evolving supports and services, empowering individuals with disabilities to secure and sustain competitive, integrated employment, and supporting access to good jobs for everyone.

Audience:
All Stakeholders

Dates:
October 25, 2024
11:00 am – 12:00 pm

Register Here

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

The PA Secondary Transition website focuses on the multistep process that guides a youth from high school into adult living after they leave school. PA Secondary Transitions issues a monthly newsletter with relevant information for transitioning youth and their families.

The focus of October’s newsletter is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) and useful tips for discussing employment with those in transition.

View October’s newsletter here. Additional information and resources can be found on the Secondary Transition website.

Image by photosforyou from Pixabay

Wednesday, October 26, 2022
3:00 pm – 4:00 pm ET

Register

As we observe National Disability Employment Awareness Month throughout October, you are invited to join the Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP), the Department of Education, the Department of Health and Human Services, and members of Federal Community Engagement Cross-Agency Workgroup, for a two-part webinar series on Understanding Community Engagement and its role in expanding Competitive Integrated Employment.

Part One: The Role of Non-Work Activities in Developing Critical Skills for Competitive, Integrated Employment

Join leaders, direct support professionals, and people supported as they discuss the invaluable role non-work activities play in Community Engagement and building critical life and social skills needed to ultimately find success in employment. Hear both firsthand accounts of how community-based activities foster social and professional development as well as research behind the importance of community engagement as part of Employment First efforts.

Part One Webinar Objectives:

  • Understand the definition of “Community Engagement” and how it differs from other forms of non-work activities.
  • Learn why Community Engagement programs are a crucial aspect of Employment First and Competitive Integrated Employment.
  • Discuss how non-work activities build necessary, interpersonal, communication, and professional skills that lead to successful employment outcomes.
  • Receive the latest research on the importance of Community Engagement.

The webinar will be facilitated by:

  • John Butterworth, Senior Research Fellow and Director of Employment Systems Change and Evaluation, Institute for Community Inclusion, University of Massachusetts Boston
  • Karen Lee, Executive Director, Supporting Employment Equality and Community (SEEC)
  • Jennifer Sulewski, Senior Research Associate and Project Manager, Institute for Community Inclusion, University of Massachusetts Boston

 

Stay tuned for an announcement about Part Two, coming soon!

Please email any accommodation requests.

Grab your lunch and help us celebrate!
Thursday, October 28, 2021
12:00 pm to 1:00 pm (Eastern)

An informative, virtual celebration featuring:

  • Opening remarks by Congressman Brendan Boyle, Member, Coalition for Autism Research and Education (CARE)
  • A panel discussion on employment and disability in 2021
  • Invited panelists include: 
    • William Krebs, Advocacy Coordinator, Keystone Human Services
    • India Scott, Certified Supports Broker
    • Peter O’Halloran, Administrative Assistant, Quality Progressions
  • Facilitator:
    • Jamie Ray-Leonetti, Associate Director of Policy, Institute on Disabilities

Please register in advance here: NDEAM 2021 Virtual Celebration

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

For information or to request accommodations, contact: [email protected]
Accommodations must be requested by October 21, 2021.

The Administration for Community Living sent this message to kick off this month of recognition of the value of people with disabilities in the workforce:

“Today we celebrate the start of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) and recognize the often overlooked talents that people with disabilities bring to the workforce.  This is a year of milestone anniversaries for the disability community as we celebrate 30 years of the Americans with Disabilities Act and 75 years of NDEAM. This year’s NDEAM theme, “increasing access and opportunity,” reflects the impact of these two milestones.

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy offers a range of resources to help employers and organizations plan NDEAM observances, including a poster; social media content; activity ideas for each day of the month; and sample articles, press release, and proclamation.  We hope you will take advantage of these resources and join us in celebrating the importance of competitive, integrated employment in the lives of people with disabilities.”

The US Department of Labor has announced ‘The Right Talent, Right Now’ as the theme for 2019 National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). Observed each October, NDEAM celebrates the contributions of workers with disabilities and educates about the value of a workforce inclusive of their skills and talents. The 2019 theme emphasizes the essential role that people with disabilities play in America’s economic success, especially in an era when historically low unemployment and global competition are creating a high demand for skilled talent. The Department’s Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) administers NDEAM.

“Every day, individuals with disabilities add significant value and talent to our workforce and economy,” said US 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.”

Observed annually in October, NDEAM celebrates America’s workers with disabilities both past and present, and emphasizes the importance of inclusive policies and practices, to ensure that all Americans who want to work can work and have access to services and supports to enable them to do so. With continued advances in such supports, including accessible technology, it is easier than ever before for America’s employers to hire people with disabilities in high-demand jobs.

The official 2019 NDEAM poster is available for downloading or to order. For additional information, contact Carol Ferenz.