07 Oct National Disability Employment Awareness – Part II
Integrated Staffing is proud to continue our observance, support, and education of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). At Integrated Staffing, we celebrate throughout the year the many contributions that people with disabilities bring to the workforce and contribute to our communities by implementing many of these ideas created by the US Department of Labor.
So what can YOU do for the month of October and beyond? Check out another 8 days of ideas that employers can implement and execute to increase access and opportunity for people with disabilities across society, including in the workplace as we continue our education blog series, National Disability Employment Awareness – Part II.
Day #8 — Establish an Employee Resource Group
For employers, NDEAM is a perfect time to launch a disability Employee Resource Group (ERG) if one doesn’t already exist. Sometimes referred to as Employee Networks or Affinity Groups, ERGs offer employees an opportunity to connect and receive support from others with similar backgrounds or interests. For more information, see A Toolkit for Establishing and Maintaining Successful Employee Resource Groups. If your company already has a disability ERG, consider using NDEAM to remind employees about it through displays, information tables or other communication channels. Find more resources for employers at the Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion.
Day #9 — Hold a Discussion
For schools, NDEAM presents an opportune time to discuss the topic of disability employment with students, particularly those at an age when they are considering career options and learning about the world of work. One easy way to do so is to use the “I Can” public service announcement and accompanying youth discussion guide.
Day #11 — Educate About Disability History
Despite the number of people with disabilities in the U.S. and the fact that they represent all races, classes, and cultures, many people are unaware of the rich history of the disability movement. To fill this gap, some states require schools to teach about disability history each year. For an overview of major milestones in disability history and resources for educators to enhance awareness of it, see Disability History: An Important Part of America’s Heritage.
Day #12 — Train Front-line Staff
In youth service provider organizations, it is imperative that staff have the knowledge, skills and abilities to effectively serve youth with disabilities, especially those transitioning from school to work. Key tools to assist in improving this capacity — during NDEAM and all year round — are available through ODEP’s Youth Service Professionals KSA initiative and related training materials.
Day #13 — Engage Student Leaders
In schools, faculty advisors to groups such as student councils and student-led media can suggest NDEAM as a possible hook for content during October. For example, a student council might invite a local community leader with a disability to a meeting to speak about his or her experiences. Likewise, student reporters might interview such an individual or write an article/produce a segment on the contributions of many famous people with disabilities throughout America’s history.
Day #14 — Feature National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) in Your Magazine or Newsletter
For associations or unions, NDEAM offers timely and fresh content for magazines or newsletters. Articles can inform members about NDEAM and its purpose, as well as specific ideas for how members can implement relevant activities within their organization. To help, use one of the NDEAM “drop-in” articles that can be quickly tailored by inserting your organization’s name where prompted.
Day #15 — Post an NDEAM Weblink
Whether you’re an employer, school or service provider, an NDEAM link on your website demonstrates your commitment to advancing disability employment and keep your website dynamic and up to date. To create a link, use the NDEAM poster thumbnail image or a simple text headline and link it to an article on your website or directly to the list of ideas for employers and employees.
The key to making workplaces more accessible for all is shifting workplace culture to be more inclusive and thoughtful about the value of all employees, and determining how a workplace environment can lead to the most successful employees. Anyone can start those conversations with their employer and with coworkers. Employers have the power to reform their office culture and prioritize inclusivity for people with disabilities by reforming company policy, training managers and educating employees.