Marking two major events, the U.S. Department of Labor has announced the theme established by its Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) to promote and honor both National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) and the 50th anniversary of the passage of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973: “Advancing Access and Equity: Then, Now and Next.” Each year a theme is selected to lead up to and celebrate NDEAM in October, to underscore the importance of the vital contributions made by individuals with disabilities to the nation’s workforce. ODEP extends the celebration this year to recognize the passage of the Rehabilitation Act a half-century ago, the first legislation to deal with access and equity for individuals with disabilities. This landmark law prohibited discrimination based on disability in employment by federal agencies and contractors, those receiving federal funds, and in delivering “federally funded programs and activities.” To mark these occasions, Assistant Secretary for Disability Employment Policy Taryn M. Williams explained that “from now through October, we will be exploring the act’s impact on everything from employment to community living to non-discrimination to accessible technology.’” For additional details, read the ODEP press release: US Department of Labor Announces 2023 Themes to Promote Importance of Advancing Disability Employment, Honor Landmark Legislation’s Anniversary. Learn more here about ODEP, including how organizations can participate in NDEAM.
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