The Georgia Commission on Equal Opportunity Joins Broad Effort to Observe National Disability Employment Awareness Month

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 "America’s Recovery: Powered by Inclusion."

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.

“Our national recovery from the pandemic cannot be completed without the inclusion of all Americans, in particular people with disabilities,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh. “Their contributions have historically been vital to our nation’s success and are more important today than ever. We must build an economy that fully includes the talent and drive of those with disabilities.”

Reflecting this year's theme, throughout the month, GCEO will be engaging in a variety of activities to educate its employees on disability employment issues and its commitment to an inclusive work culture. These efforts include participating in various NDEAM events and implementing a robust social media campaign to educate the general public on employment issues related to disability.

"The Georgia Commission on Equal Opportunity is proud to be a part of this year's National 
Disability Employment Awareness Month," said Allona Lane Cross, Executive Director of GCEO. "We 
want to spread the important message that we value all perspectives, including those of individuals 
with disabilities."

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.

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The GCEO's mission is to safeguard Georgians from discrimination in housing and employment.
More information about GCEO is available at https://gceo.georgia.gov/.

You can also connect with the GCEO on social media and follow the GCEO on Twitter, Facebook, 
Instagram and LinkedIn.