By Megan Elliott, Career Coach
Many people know that October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, but did you know that it is also National Disability Employment Awareness month?
As was posted on the White House blog on October 1, 2012, President Barack Obama outlined a challenge to all Americans, especially employers, to follow the example his administration has set regarding the hiring and retention of Americans with disabilities. To quote directly from the proclamation, “All Americans are entitled to an accessible workplace, a level playing field, and the same privileges, pursuits, and opportunities as any of their family, friends, and neighbors. This month, let us rededicate ourselves to bringing down barriers and raising up aspirations for all our people, regardless of disability, so we may share in a brighter future together.”
In July of 2010, President Obama signed Executive Order 13548, titled “Increasing Federal Employment of Individuals with Disabilities,” which created a structure for the recruitment, hiring, and the retention (keeping employed) of people with disabilities within the federal government. Because of this structure, today, there are now more people with disabilities working for the federal government than at any other time in the past 20 years.
America still faces an uphill climb against discrimination in the workplace against people with disabilities. We know that here at ERS, and we are here to support you if you encounter it. The Social Security Administration also has agencies available to help you understand your rights, explain your benefits if you have questions, or provide other assistance.
These agencies are:
Our Career Coaches will be happy to help you in any way you need. Just give us a call, or send us an e-mail! How can we better serve you?
