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October Is National Disability Employment Awareness Month
October 1, 2012 — Functional Industries, Inc. today announced its participation in National Disability Employment Awareness Month, an annual awareness campaign that takes place each October. The purpose of National Disability Employment Awareness Month is to educate about disability employment issues and celebrate the many and varied contributions of America's workers with disabilities.
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.
"Employers who ensure that inclusive workplace policies and practices are woven into the fabric and culture of the organization create an environment that encourages all workers — including those of us with disabilities — to work to their full capacity and contribute fully to the organization's success," said Kathy Martinez, assistant secretary of labor for disability employment policy when announcing this year's National Disability Employment Awareness Month theme, which is "A Strong Workforce is an Inclusive Workforce: What Can YOU Do?" The U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) leads National Disability Employment Awareness Month.
Reflecting this year's theme, throughout the month, Functional Industries will be engaging in a variety of activities to educate its stakeholders on disability employment issues and the role they play in fostering a disability-friendly work culture. These efforts include a personal introduction from our employment specialists within our community regarding Functional Industries employment programs and we are also scheduling tours of our facilities to further the communities understanding of the services we provide to individuals with disabilities. If you are interested please contact our corporate office.
"Functional Industries is proud to be a part of this year's National Disability Employment Awareness Month," said Jaime Baker, Functional Industries’ Vice President. "A strong workforce is one inclusive of the skills and talents of all individuals, including individuals with disabilities. Functional Industries’ team is eager to share this important message with our community."
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 the ODEP website at www.dol.gov/odep.