Ohio Valley Goodwill Joins Broad Effort to Observe National Disability Employment Awareness Month

Nationwide campaign will take place in October

Ohio Valley Goodwill  today announced its participation in National Disability Employment Awareness Month, an annual awareness campaign that takes place each October. The purpose of National Disability Employment Awareness Month is to educate about disability employment issues and celebrate the many and varied contributions of America’s workers with disabilities. This year’s theme is “Increasing Access and Opportunity”

The history of National Disability Employment Awareness Month traces back to 1945 when Congress enacted a law declaring the first week in October each year “National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week.” In 1962, the word “physically” was removed to acknowledge the employment needs and contributions of individuals with all types of disabilities. In 1988, Congress expanded the week to a month and changed the name to National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

“Ensuring that America’s workplaces continue to include and accommodate people with disabilities will be an important part of our economic rebound,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia. ” Looking ahead, the Department will remain focused on the policies that led to a strong economy and record-low unemployment rates for persons with disabilities prior to the pandemic. A vigorous economic rebound and job growth will, alongside the Americans with Disabilities Act, increase access and opportunity for Americans with disabilities.”

Reflecting this year’s theme, throughout the month, Ohio Valley Goodwill will be engaging in a variety of activities to educate the community on disability employment issues and its commitment to an inclusive work culture. These efforts include a special Mission Moment during its Facebook Live broadcast on October 1st at 1 pm to announce the 75th anniversary celebration along with a showcase of individual success stories and employers throughout the month. Check out the show at www.facebook.com/cincigoodwill

“Ohio Valley Goodwill is proud to be a part of this year’s National Disability Employment Awareness Month,” said Sharon Hannon, Marketing Director. “We want to spread the important message that we value all perspectives, including those of individuals with disabilities.” For more than a century, Ohio Valley Goodwill has been helping people to obtain jobs in the Greater Cincinnati and last year, assisted almost 900 to achieve vocational success. To find out more about Goodwill’s important Employment Services programs, visit www.cincinnatigoodwill.org/services.

Employers and employees in all industries can learn more about how to participate in National Disability Employment Awareness Month and ways they can promote its messages “” during October and throughout the year “” by visiting  www.dol.gov/NDEAM.