October 27, 2014
By: Heidi Shierholz and Kathy Martinez
October marks National Disability Employment Awareness Month, an annual observation that recognizes the significant contributions people with disabilities make to our workforce.
It also gives us a chance to think about how we can continue to build an economy that gives everyone a fair shot. As President Obama stated in his NDEAM proclamation, “Americans with disabilities lead thriving businesses, teach our children, and serve our Nation.” There is however, more work to do to create opportunities for Americans with disabilities to fully participate in today’s economy.
The Department of Labor plays a key role in helping people with disabilities find jobs. For instance, last September, we released a final rule to encourage federal contractors and subcontractors to hire qualified workers with disabilities. The department also is implementing the recently passed Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, which places significant new responsibilities on several Cabinet-level agencies, particularly the Departments of Labor and Education, to help job seekers and workers with disabilities connect to good jobs and acquire the skills and credentials needed to obtain them.
Continue Reading Expect. Employ. Empower. with Data (opens in a new window).
For more Disability Employment Statistics.