What’s that? You’re wondering what in the heck I’m talking about? Okay, let me back up. It’s National Disability Employment Awareness Month! Congress started the first recognition week back in October 1945, in an effort to educate the public about employment-related disability issues, but the initiative has seen a lot of changes since the ‘40s – in name and in practice. Click here for a bit more history.

We’re halfway through the annual month of recognition, and people everywhere have been participating – at places like the “Access Anderson” event in Anderson County, SC to a disability job fair in Maricopa County, AZ. And there are still plenty of opportunities to get involved in one way or another. If nothing else, becoming aware of the issues and the initiatives your company is interested in is a great way to get ahead of the curve for next year’s planning.

Rather than just focusing on a single event, I’ve detailed various activities and events going on throughout the U.S. to give you a feel for what other business are doing for National Disability Employment Awareness Month – but I really want to hear from you. What cool event or initiative is your organization involved with this year, or what types of things have you done in the past – (or in all those other 11 months of the year in which it might not be as widely publicized)?

I think the best way to learn about these opportunities and become more active is by all of us talking about them and sharing with each other. If you have a noteworthy event or initiative, let us know. Also, if you’re someone with a disability seeking employment or know someone who is, Disaboom also has a list of 9 things for people with disabilities to consider when looking for jobs.

Without further ado, here’s a snapshot of events and activities going on all around us…

Activating the Power of the Disability Vote

When:

On or before 11/4/08!

The gist:

Allsap and the American Association of People with Disability’s joint nonpartisan effort encouraging people with disabilities to find out more about the presidential candidates and make their voices heard in this election. the 50 million Americans with disabilities to vote so they can be heard in Washington, D.C., their local states and communities.

Fact:

According to the World Institute on Disability’s site, the program saw a 19 percent increase in the voting turnout of people with disabilities nationwide. Pretty cool. 

How do I get involved?

Help get out the vote!

An overview of what AAPD is all about:

*The Obama/Mccain lowdown:* For more on presidential candidates’ views on and planned events surrounding disability issues here. Good info for everyone to know.

Welcome 2 Reality Tour

When?

10/22/08 – 11/12/08

The gist:

Disaboom is an online community for people with disabilities. And they’re sponsoring hip-hop group 4 Wheel City’s new tour, spanning seven cities from 10/22 – 11/12 and featuring musical performances and speaking engagements to build awareness about disability issues.

How do I get involved?

Attend one of the shows – in fact, make it a company event! You can also join the Disaboom community and create a blog, listen to or get in on the conversations, and read up on the disability issues facing many people.

CAREERS & the disABLED Magazine, Career Expo For People With Disabilities

When?

11/17/08 (Washington D.C.); 2/12/09 (Los Angeles); 4/2/09 (Boston); 4/24/09 (NYC)

The gist:

Job expos which provide opportunities for workers with disabilities to meet with recruiters from Fortune 500 and government agencies and network/connect on employment opportunities.

How do I get involved?

Interested in being an exhibitor? Go here.

Disability Mentoring Day

When?

Plan ahead! Next year’s event will be on 10/15/09

The gist:

A national effort to promote career development for job seekers and students with disabilities through hands-on career exploration, onsite job shadowing, and ongoing mentoring, leading to internship and employment opportunities.

Fact:

According to AAPD, in 2007, over 2,000 public and private employer participants hosted mentees, and many continued the mentoring relationships for long-term periods. That’s encouraging news.

How do I get involved?

To learn more about getting your business involved with Disability Mentoring Day and to contact a DM Coordinator in your area, click here.

Workers with Disabilities: How an underutilized talent pool can help companies gain a competitive edge

When:

Anytime

The gist:

This is a white paper that our Personified team actually created, and it explores the factors that contribute to the underutilization of people with disabilities in the work force. It also highlights best practices of companies that encourage and practice inclusion of qualified workers with disabilities – and the benefits of doing so. If you want to learn more about the issue of disability employment and what it means to your business, this is a good place to start.

Fact:

Did you know that 64 percent of business owners and HR managers say they do not proactively recruit people with disabilities? According to a 2008 Personified survey, that’s the harsh reality.

How do I get involved?

Download the white paper here.

“What else can I do?”

Here are some additional ideas from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ site.

So I’ll ask again: What are you doing for National Disability Awareness Month?