Links Worth Sharing

October is Disability Awareness Month by James Pickard

The theme for National Disability Employment Awareness Month 2021, “America’s Recovery: Powered by Inclusion,” reflects the importance of ensuring that people with disabilities have full access to employment and community involvement during the national recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. This commemorates the many and varied contributions of people with disabilities to America’s workplaces and economy.

We know that 15-20% of our school children have IEPs. Why are we not teaching kids about disabilities on a regular basis? We owe it to our kids, both the non-disabled and disabled ones. They have to learn how to interact, how to live and work together. This is their future. Check out these 20+ activities to help children learn about disabilities and inclusion.

ADA Live! is a free monthly show broadcast nationally on the Internet. Learn about your rights and responsibilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Leaders in the field will share their knowledge, experience and successful strategies that increase the participation of persons with disabilities in communities and businesses. Check out their podcasts for Disability Awareness Month!

What’s the third largest market segment in the U.S.? The answer might surprise you. It’s people with disabilities. The size of this population—more than 50 million strong—surpasses Hispanics, African Americans and Asian Americans, as well as Generation X and teens. Add in their families and friends, and you’re looking at billions of dollars in purchasing power. Employers are smart to include them in the workforce. Develop your plan here. 

At work, it’s what people CAN do that matters. That’s the simple message behind “I Can”—the Campaign for Disability Employment’s flagship public service announcement. In it, we meet seven working people with disabilities—not actors—demonstrating what they CAN do when given the opportunity. You can check out their stories here.