Hi everyone,
October marks Disability Employment Awareness Month, a time to celebrate the contributions of employees with disabilities and raise awareness about the importance of inclusive work environments.
- First declared by Congress in 1945, originally as "National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week."
- The observance aims to debunk myths about hiring employees with disabilities, such as the misconception that accommodations are costly or that these employees are less productive.
- Focus on All Disabilities: The month aims to draw attention to all types of disabilities—physical, mental, and emotional.
We encourage you to:
- Use People-First Language: Instead of labeling someone as a "disabled person," say "person with a disability" to emphasize their personhood before their condition.
- Ask, Don't Assume: If you think someone needs help, ask them first rather than making assumptions. They know their needs better than anyone else.
- Be Mindful of Accessibility: Keep communal areas and walkways clear of obstacles. Make sure meeting locations are accessible to everyone.
- Make Eye Contact: When speaking with someone who has a disability, make eye contact and speak directly to them, even if they have an interpreter or companion.
- Respect Personal Space: If someone uses a wheelchair or other assistive device, don’t touch or lean on it unless given permission. These devices are part of their personal space.
- Be Flexible: Be willing to adapt your communication style or methods, especially if an employee has a hearing or visual impairment.
- Be Inclusive: Always include employees with disabilities in meetings, team lunches, and corporate events, making necessary arrangements for their participation.
- Confidentiality is Key: If someone discloses a disability to you, keep that information confidential, just as you would any other personal or sensitive information.
- Listen and Adapt: If an employee with a disability has suggestions on how to improve the workplace or their own work conditions, listen attentively and make reasonable adjustments where possible.
- Educate Yourself: Take time to understand different disabilities and the legal responsibilities of employers. Your knowledge can make a big difference in making your workplace more inclusive.
Thank you for helping to create a respectful and inclusive workplace for all.
Thank you,
People Team
Hi everyone, 👋
October is Disability Employment Awareness Month! 🗓️ It's a special time to celebrate the incredible contributions of employees with disabilities and to learn more about creating an inclusive workplace. 🌟
Did you know?
- This observance started in 1945, initially named "National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week" by Congress. 📜
- The month aims to bust myths about hiring employees with disabilities. For instance, the idea that accommodations are costly is usually not true! 💡
- It's not just about physical disabilities. The focus is on all types of disabilities, including mental and emotional. 🌈
We encourage you to:
- Use People-First Language 🗨️: Say "person with a disability," not "disabled person."
- Ask, Don't Assume ❓: If you think someone might need help, ask them.
- Be Mindful of Accessibility 🚪: Keep spaces clear and accessible.
- Make Eye Contact 👀: Speak directly to individuals, not to their companions or interpreters.
- Respect Personal Space 🛑: Don't touch wheelchairs or assistive devices without permission.
- Be Flexible 🤲: Adapt your communication style as needed.
- Be Inclusive 🤗: Include everyone in meetings and events.
- Confidentiality is Key 🔒: Keep any disclosed information private.
- Listen and Adapt 👂: Be open to suggestions on making the workplace better.
- Educate Yourself 📚: The more you know, the more you can be respectful and/or help.
Let's all work together to make our workplace welcoming and inclusive for everyone! 🤝
Thank you,
People Team
Hi all,
October is Disability Employment Awareness Month. This is an important time to recognize the contributions of our employees with disabilities and to focus on workplace inclusion.
Key Points:
- Initiated by Congress in 1945, the observance challenges misconceptions about employing individuals with disabilities.
- The focus is not only on physical disabilities but also includes mental and emotional disabilities.
We encourage you to:
- Use "person with a disability" rather than "disabled person."
- If you think someone needs assistance, ask first.
- Ensure communal areas are accessible.
- Maintain eye contact when conversing with someone who has a disability.
- Do not touch assistive devices without permission.
- Be flexible in your communication methods.
- Include employees with disabilities in all company activities.
- Keep any disclosed disability information confidential.
- Listen to suggestions for workplace improvements and act accordingly.
- Educate yourself on various disabilities.
Let's all work together to make our workplace an inclusive, respectful, and accessible place for everyone!
People Team
How to observe Disability Employment Awareness Month at work
Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) is observed every October in the United States and Canada. This month-long observance is dedicated to raising awareness about disability employment issues and celebrating the many contributions of workers with disabilities.
Recognizing diverse holidays or days of observance in global teams is crucial as it promotes inclusivity and respect for all team members. It also fosters a sense of belonging and appreciation for diverse experiences and perspectives, which can enhance team cohesion and productivity.
- Organize a workshop or seminar on disability awareness and inclusivity in the workplace.
- Invite a guest speaker with a disability to share their experiences and insights.
- Encourage employees to wear a specific color to show their support for disability employment.
- Share success stories of employees with disabilities and their contributions to the company.
Inspiration from other companies
