“The Right Talent, Right Now”

Reflecting on its commitment to a robust and competitive American labor force, the U.S. Department of Labor has set “The Right Talent, Right Now” as the theme for the 2019 National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM).

The 2019 theme emphasizes the essential role that people with disabilities play in America’s economic success, especially in an era when historically low unemployment and global competition are creating a high demand for skilled talent. The Department’s Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) administers NDEAM.

“Every day, individuals with disabilities add significant value and talent to our workforce and economy,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta. “Individuals with disabilities offer employers diverse perspectives on how to tackle challenges and achieve success. Individuals with disabilities have the right talent, right now.”

Observed annually in October, NDEAM celebrates America’s workers with disabilities both past and present, and emphasizes the importance of inclusive policies and practices to ensure that all Americans who want to work can work, and have access to services and supports to enable them to do so. With continued advances in such supports, including accessible technology, it is easier than ever before for America’s employers to hire people with disabilities in high-demand jobs.

NDEAM dates back to 1945, when Congress declared the first week in October “National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week.” President Harry S. Truman assembled a committee to manage “National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week,” while State and local committees coordinated publicity campaigns consisting of movie trailers, billboards, and radio and television ads to convince the public that it was good business to hire people with disabilities.

In 1990, President George H. W. Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) into law. Modeled oafter the Civil Rights Act, the ADA is the most comprehensive disability rights legislation in history.

On the 20th anniversary of the signing of the ADA, President Barack Obama signed Executive Order 13548 - Increasing Federal Employment of Individuals with Disabilities. This directive calls on federal agencies to increase the recruitment, hiring and retention of people with disabilities.

For more information on NDEAM, visit the Department of Labor website at www.dol.gov/odep/topics/ndeam.