The 2018 Theme is: America’s Workforce: Empowering All

BALTIMORE, MD (Oct. 1, 2018) – This October, the Maryland Department of Health’s Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) is proud to celebrate the many and varied contributions of America's workers with disabilities during National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

The history of National Disability Employment Awareness Month traces back to 1945 when Congress enacted a law declaring the first week in October as, 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. Finally, in 1988, Congress expanded the week to the entire month of October and changed the name to what it is today — National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

“The goal of the Developmental Disabilities Administration is to enhance the lives of people with developmental disabilities and to provide much-needed tools and knowledge, so they can live active, full lives and ultimately become working and living members in the communities of their choice,” said Bernard Simons, Deputy Secretary Developmental Disabilities Administration. “We are committed to supporting a robust and competitive American labor force and are proud to fully participate in National Disability Employment Awareness Month.”

Reflecting upon this year's theme: America’s Workforce: Empowering All, the DDA will be engaging in a variety of activities throughout the month, including a robust social media campaign designed to raise awareness about the state’s “Employment First” initiative, to educate its stakeholders and the community on disability employment issues and its commitment to an inclusive work culture.

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 www.dol.gov/ndeam. 

###

Marylanders who need help finding substance use disorder treatment resources should visit http://goo.gl/nIfGm0 or call Maryland Crisis Connect, which provides 24/7 support, at 211, press 1. For information on many of the policies currently implemented to fight addiction and overdose in Maryland, see http://goo.gl/KvEzQw. If you know of someone in need of treatment for a substance use disorder, treatment facilities can be located by location and program characteristics on our page at http://goo.gl/rbGF6S.

The Maryland Department of Health is the State agency that protects Maryland’s public health. We work together to promote and improve the health and safety of all Marylanders through disease prevention, access to care, quality management, and community engagement. Stay connected: http://www.twitter.com/MDHealthDept and http://www.facebook.com/MarylandDHMH. ​​