: The poster is rectangular in shape and features a collage of six photos of diverse people with a range of disabilities working in various inclusive workplaces. These photos appear in colored circles against a blue-sky background. Underneath the photos on a white background is a graphic image of a black, winding road leading up to them. To the side of the road, the words “Access to Good Jobs for All” and “National Disability Employment Awareness Month” appear. In the upper right corner, “#NDEAM” and “dol.gov/odep” are displayed. In the lower right corner is the DOL seal with the words “Office of Disability Employment Policy, United States Department of Labor” next to it.

                                                                                       Nationwide campaigns takes place each October

The Blind Muse Foundation is joining the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy in recognizing National Disability Employment Awareness Month, an annual awareness campaign that takes place each October. The purpose of National Disability Employment Awareness Month is to educate about disability employment issues and celebrate the many and varied contributions of America’s workers with disabilities. This year’s theme is “Advancing Access and Equity.”

The history of NDEAM traces back to 1945, when it started as a week and focused only on people with physical disabilities. Later, it expanded to a full month, and its name and scope evolved to acknowledge the importance of increasing the workforce inclusion of people with all nature of disabilities.

“Our communities and economy are strengthened by the inclusion of all people, including people with disabilities,” said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Disability Employment Policy Taryn M. Williams. “Their contributions have historically been vital to our nation’s success and are more important today than ever. We must build an accessible, equitable economy that fully includes the talent and drive of those with disabilities.”

Reflecting this year’s theme, throughout the month, The Blind Muse Foundation will be engaging in a variety of activities to educate community members on disability employment issues and its commitment to an accessible and equitable work culture. These efforts include regular social media post to bring attention and awareness. In addition to a new series that highlights the lives of the blind and visually impaired individuals and businesses

The Blind Muse Foundation is proud to be a part of this year’s National Disability Employment Awareness Month.  “We want to spread the important message that we value all perspectives, including those of individuals with disabilities.”

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 dol.gov/NDEAM.