National Disability Employment Awareness Month!

October is national disability employment awareness month (NDEAM). This anniversary is an opportunity to raise awareness about disability discrimination. You may ask yourself, “it’s 2022; there is still disability discrimination?” YES, yes, there is! Unfortunately, even a few decades after the Americans with Disabilities Act was enacted, workplace discrimination is still very much prevalent.

What does workplace discrimination look like:

1. Harassment in the workplace based on a disability

2. Fails to provide reasonable accommodations

3. Treats qualified individuals unfavorably because of disability (refusing to hire based on their disabilities)

4. Firing because of their disability (may also include cutting hours, termination, demoting)

5. Reducing pay, benefits, and salary based on their disability

The National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week was enacted in 1945. Later, the word “physically” was removed in 1962 to acknowledge all types of individuals with disabilities. Finally, in 1988, Congress changed the week to a month, and the name officially became NDEAM. The NDEAM campaign promotes the idea that those with disabilities have the knowledge and skills to be successful in the workplace just like everyone else does. It is a reminder to celebrate the contributions of all workers with disabilities–A chance to be proud of the progress achieved and challenges that remain for those with disabilities. It is a reminder to help support disabled employees.

There are nearly 54 million Americans with a disability today. Unfortunately, many of these individuals do not have paid jobs in their communities. Riseability is on a mission to change that. We get to know our clients and work towards helping them find employment opportunities that fit their interests and strengths. We help provide support for the employer and individual by working together as a team!