National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) is held each October to commemorate the many and varied contributions of people with disabilities to America’s workplaces and economy. The theme of this year’s NDEAM is “Advancing Access and Equity.” In recognition of the important role people with disabilities play in a diverse and inclusive workforce, MCD has compiled a collection of NDEAM resources.
Governor Walz Proclamation
Governor Tim Walz issued a proclamation recognizing October as Disability Employment Awareness Month (PDF). He also recognized the need for government to “highlight the contributions of America’s workers with disabilities past and present and showcase supportive, inclusive employment policies and practices that benefit employers and employees.”
Dept. of Employment and Economic Development Press Release
Our partners at the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) recognized National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) with a statement from Commissioner Matt Varilek:
As we look back on the past half century and all that has been done to remove barriers to people with disabilities reaching career goals, we also acknowledge that much work remains to be done. People with disabilities continue to experience significantly higher unemployment than those without disabilities. DEED is focused on raising awareness about disparities and working to welcome more people to fulfilling employment – this month and all year round.
Read the full press release to learn what DEED is doing to increase employment opportunities and–alongside MCD–remove barriers to fulfilling employment.
“The Labor Force Experience of Minnesotans with Disabilities”
Minnesotans with disabilities age 16 and older make up about 12.9% of the total population but only 5.8% of the employed population. Nationwide, Americans with disabilities comprise 15.1% of the total population and 6.6% of the employed population. DEED published an article using the American Community Survey data for 2017 to 2021 (5-year estimates) to document the labor force experience of Minnesotans with disabilities.
CareerForce NDEAM Resources
CareerForce is Minnesota’s career development and talent matching resource. They guide people toward rewarding careers, connect individuals to opportunities, and help employers find the workers they need to grow and thrive. For NDEAM, they have compiled resources for employees and employers.