Pasadena Observes National Disability Employment Awareness Month

In October, the City of Pasadena will observe National Disability Employment Awareness Month, which aims to educate the public about disability employment issues and celebrate the many and varied contributions of America’s workers with disabilities. This year’s theme is “Disability: Part of the Equity Equation.”

The Pasadena City Council will proclaim the month of October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month at their Oct. 3 meeting. Mayor Victor M. Gordo will join Pasadena Civitan, a local service group whose mission includes increasing employment for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, to present an award to local employers of people with disabilities.

National Disability Employment Awareness Month traces back to 1945 when Congress enacted a law declaring the first week in October 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. In 1988, Congress expanded the week to a month and changed the name to National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

“The City of Pasadena is proud to be part of this year’s National Disability Employment Awareness Month,” said Brenda Harvey-Williams, director of the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department. “We want to share the important message that we value all perspectives in the workplace, 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 help promote a more inclusive workforce at www.dol.gov/NDEAM.

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