National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) 2020
Increasing Access and Opportunity
Held each October, National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) aims to educate about disability employment issues and celebrate the many and varied contributions of America’s workers with disabilities. NDEAM is led by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy, but its true spirit lies in the many observances held at the grassroots level across the nation every year. This year’s theme is ‘Increasing Access and Opportunity’ as NDEAM celebrates their 75th anniversary and the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Access and Opportunity. These two concepts are at the heart of what we do here at Jay Nolan Community Services and they deserve to be celebrated not just this October, but every day of the year.
Access
Access is something that many of us may take for granted. We don’t have to think about getting up a flight of stairs, voting in the next election, or applying for a new job. It is up to those privileged enough to take it for granted that Access must be made available to those who are not. At JNCS, we aim to make sure that Access is given freely to any person striving to reach their destination on their journey to happiness— with whatever supports necessary. It is not just about wheelchair ramps or elevators. It is about breaking down the real, the imagined, and the systemic obstacles that impede people with disabilities from living the life that we often take for granted: Living in your own home. Choosing your own friends. Deciding your own finances. Picking a job that makes you happy.
Opportunity
Access is the first step to Opportunity. In turn, Opportunity opens up possibilities for growth, for learning, and for change. The more opportunity is available to all members to contribute to our community, the stronger we are as a society. At JNCS, this principle lies at the core of our Employment Services. We see the value and the passion in all of us and the unique skillset that every one of us brings to the table. Opportunity is built around assisting people to find the positions where their abilities will shine and to provide the support necessary to make sure those opportunities lead to a better future.
This October, celebrate NDEAM with us by reflecting on how you can help increase Access and Opportunities for the people around you. A little awareness goes a long way.
Learn how you can support NDEAM by visiting the ODEP website: www.dol.gov/NDEAM
Click Here to learn more about Employment Services at JNCS.
