The skills of workers with disabilities who are active in our workplaces and economy are honored during October for National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). In August 2023, which was the 33rd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the employment population ratio for disabled people was 23%, which was the highest on record. Comparatively, in August 2021, the ratio was 19.2%. The Department of Labor (DOL) suspects that the increase may be attributed to the changes related to the pandemic, such as greater access to telework and other flexible workplace arrangements that may have opened the doors for many disabled workers. According to the DOL, “despite this positive trend, an unacceptable employment gap remains, and until it closes, we have work to do.”
This year we also celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which was the first federal law to address civil rights for people with disabilities. The Act prohibits discrimination based on disability in employment by federal agencies, federal contractors, and in the delivery of federally funded programs and activities. Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act also requires government contractors and subcontractors to take affirmative action to conduct outreach, recruit, hire, provide accommodations, and advance people with disabilities.
Leading up to NDEAM, the Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) examined the 50 years of the Rehabilitation Act and published interviews with various leaders about the law’s impact on the disabled community and created a blog series reviewing each section of the Act. ODEP has selected "Advancing Access and Equity" as the central theme for NDEAM in 2023, embracing the concept of progress. By adopting the slogan "Advancing Access and Equity: Then, Now and Next," ODEP aims to commemorate the anniversary of the Rehabilitation Act in a meaningful and impactful way.
To improve on the opportunities of the disabled workforce, employers should consider:
OutSolve invites you to take advantage of focused resources to help you build an inclusive workforce that welcomes individuals with disabilities: