October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, celebrating the ingenuity that people with disabilities bring to workplaces across the country

This year the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) has announced that “Increasing Access and Opportunity” is the theme for October’s annual observance of National Disability Employment Awareness Month.   

Opening the door to opportunity for workers with disabilities is not just a goal, it is a responsibility.  Implementing sound and innovative policies that improve employment opportunities for people with disabilities is especially important because this population continues to be markedly underrepresented in the U.S. workforce.  Work gives individuals a sense of purpose and self-worth.  For many, it defines who they are and is a source of justifiable pride.   

The coronavirus pandemic has challenged every aspect of our society and economy, including employment of people with disabilities.  The shift to working from home, coupled with the wide shut down of businesses, have directly and negatively impacted employees and job seekers with disabilities and the delivery system for disability employment services. 

Maintaining continuity of critical supports to employees with disabilities who have remained on the job as “essential workers” throughout the crisis is of the highest concern.  The types of businesses that have been deemed essential during the COVID-19 crisis such as grocery stores, retail distribution centers and medical/healthcare facilities employ many individuals with disabilities.  

Along with the general challenges that come with the pandemic for all of us, those with disabilities face additional barriers.  Getting information can be more difficult for individuals with vision, hearing, and even cognitive disabilities.  Adopting recommended public health strategies such as social distancing is not always possible.  Individuals who rely on personal aides and caregivers cannot participate in social distancing in the same ways that others can.  Additionally, equitable access to health care, which is already a long-standing barrier for those with disabilities, is only worsened by COVID-19.  This ranges from getting a coronavirus test to being seen in an emergency room.   

The unemployment rate for people with disabilities was at 80 percent in 2019, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.  Since the pandemic began in March, one in five workers with disabilities lost their jobs versus one in seven of their able-bodied peers.  Nearly one million jobs have been lost in the disabled community. 

2020 marks the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).  The ADA was enacted and signed into law to ensure that people with disabilities have the same rights and access to opportunities as people without disabilities. 

All individuals, regardless of disability, deserve the opportunity to be full members of their community where they can live, learn, work and play through all stages of life. 

National Disability Employment Awareness Month celebrates the ingenuity that people with disabilities bring to workplaces across the country.  Ensuring that workplaces continue to include and accommodate individuals with disabilities will be an important part of the nation’s economic rebound.   

For more information about National Disability Employment Awareness Month, as well as ideas for how your organization can participate, visit www.dol.gov/ndeam.  

Luann Dunsford, CEO, Michigan Works! Association