Focused on Disability Employment Triumphs

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By the ERG Council

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month. This month we focus on disability employment triumphs, as well as note there are learning opportunities.

The DiverseAbility Employee Resource Group in collaboration with other ERGs and County departments will be engaging in activities to help educate ourselves and others on disability employment issues and demonstrate its commitment to an inclusive work culture. These efforts include lunch and learns, participation in Jobtoberfest and a book club discussion. Stay tuned for upcoming dates.

This year’s National Disability Employment Awareness Month’stheme is “America’s Recovery: Powered by Inclusion.” It reflects how important it is for people with disabilities to have full access to employment and community involvement during the national recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. From the U.S. Department of Labor:

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.”

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 dol.gov/NDEAM.

We value all perspectives. As the ERG Council, we hope to connect and support each other throughout the year by sharing resources, our experiences and our interests.

The County of San Diego offers several resources including trainings for diversity and inclusion and accessibility, ergonomic assessments and an employee assistance programs (EAP). The County’s EAP can be reached by phone 888-777-6665 or online using Company Name “COSD”. (Please note Sheriff’s Department sworn staff has access to their EAP by contacting The Counseling Team International at 800-222-9691.)

For instance, search in LMS for:

  • disability basics

  • diversity and inclusion

  • mental health

Or, through the Help Me kNow Hub (Software Coaching) on InSite:

  • Get Started and Explore - Accessibility Features

  • Overview of Accessibility Settings Based On The User's Ability

  • Find Microsoft Accessibility Resource Centers

Other resources for celebrating National Disability Employment Awareness Month:

Books suggested for book club discussion: