Recent News
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month
October 1, 2013 — Functional Industries, Inc. fully supports National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), an annual campaign that takes place each October. The purpose of NDEAM is to raise awareness and educate individuals about disability employment issues and celebrate the many and varied contributions of America's workers with disabilities.
The history of NDEAM 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.
"When I was growing up, many people doubted what I could do just because I was blind. But because I had people in my life who instilled in me an expectation of work and showed me opportunities to be successful, I completed college and became known for what I can do," said Kathy Martinez, assistant secretary of labor for disability employment policy when announcing this year's NDEAM theme, which is "Because We Are EQUAL to the Task."
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 to businesses within our community regarding Functional Industries’ employment programs and arranging tours of our facilities to afford members of our community an opportunity to see firsthand some of the essential services we provide to individuals with disabilities. If you are interested in scheduling a tour, please contact our corporate office.
"Functional Industries is proud to be a part of National Disability Employment Awareness Month again this year," said Jaime Baker, Functional Industries’ Vice President. "Our team wants to continue sharing the important message that a strong workforce is one inclusive of the skills and talents of all individuals, including individuals with disabilities."
Employers and employees in all industries can learn more about how to participate in NDEAM and ways they can promote its messages — during October and throughout the year — by visiting the Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) website at www.dol.gov/odep/topics/ndeam.
All efforts to support NDEAM, regardless of how simple or comprehensive — such as displaying a poster or implementing a disability education program — will play an important role in fostering a more inclusive workforce, one where every person is recognized for his or her abilities — every day of every month!
MEDIA CONTACT:
Jaime Baker
jbaker@functionalindustries.org
763-233-5162