In an effort to educate the American public about issues related to disability and employment, Congress designated each October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month. The goal of this special month is to increase awareness and recognize the contributions of Americans with disabilities to both our workforce and our society.
The official theme for this year’s celebration, announced by the U.S. Department of Labor, is “Expectation + Opportunity = Full Participation.” It is intended to urge employers, as they seek to fill positions, to embrace the richness of America’s diversity by considering the talents of all workers, including workers with disabilities.
In some cases, a disability can result in an individual’s needing accommodations in order to work. It can also require an individual to learn new job skills to qualify for employment that is a better fit with his or her abilities. Assurant Employee Benefits offers disability insurance that can provide the rehabilitation and vocational services that enable insureds to work despite the effects of disability. Our WillReturn Council® recognizes the outstanding efforts of many of our disability claimants to return to productive work after experiencing disability.
Employment is key to the economic security and personal independence of all Americans, particularly those with disabilities, who currently make up nearly one quarter of the U.S. workforce. While disability need not keep individuals from engaging in gainful work, those with disabilities remain one of America’s greatest untapped labor resources. These individuals comprise a reliable workforce, capable of meeting and exceeding industry quality standards. Through employment, they achieve greater independence, have reduced dependence on government support and join the ranks of taxpayers – a winning result for them as well as society.
Learn more about the National Disability Employment Awareness Month.