#national disability employment awareness month

[richardnixonlibrary]

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

In May 1969, members of the President’s Committee on Employment of the Handicapped visited President Nixon at the White House. William Passmore, Handicapped American of the Year, pinned a "Hire the Handicapped" button to President Nixon’s lapel. Also attending the event were Laura Passmore (mother of William), musical performer Stevie Wonder, Lula Mae Hardaway (Wonder's mother), other committee members, and essay-winning teens. (Image: PAR.53.4.4)

[missmitchieg]

So, fun fact! October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month!

Less fun fact! A February 2023 Bureau of Labor Statistics report confirms that across all age groups, persons with a disability were much less likely to be employed than those with no disability and almost twice as likely to be employed only part time.

A second less fun fact! Businessess that recieve a certificate from the U.S. Department of Labor's (DOL) Wage and Hour Devision are authorized to pay disabled workers whose "earning or productive capacity is impaired" less than the minimum wage.

[michaelgabrill]

National Disability Employment Awareness Month and Addressing Misconceptions of Depression

The month of October marks National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). The NDEAM observance was declared in 1988 by the United States Congress in efforts to raise awareness of disability employment needs and to celebrate the many and varied contributions of individuals with all types of disabilities. This year’s NDEAM theme, chosen by the Office […] from NASA https://ift.tt/tNpOdv8

[nasa]

For the Benefit of All: Assistive Tech Developed from NASA Tech

What do modern cochlear implants and robotic gloves have in common? They were derived from NASA technology. We’ve made it easier to find and use our patented inventions that could help create products that enhance life for people with disabilities.

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, which highlights the contributions of American workers with disabilities – many of whom use assistive technology on the job. Take a look at these assistive technologies that are NASA spinoffs.

Low-Vision Headsets

The Joint Optical Reflective Display (JORDY) device is a headset that uses NASA image processing and head-mounted display technology to enable people with low vision to read and write. JORDY enhances individuals’ remaining sight by magnifying objects up to 50 times and allowing them to change contrast, brightness, and display modes. JORDY's name was inspired by Geordi La Forge, a blind character from “Star Trek: The Next Generation” whose futuristic visor enabled him to see.

Cochlear Implants

Work that led to the modern cochlear implant was patented by a NASA engineer in the 1970s. Following three failed corrective surgeries, Adam Kissiah combined his NASA electronics know-how with research in the Kennedy Space Center technical library to build his own solution for people with severe-to-profound hearing loss who receive little or no benefit from hearing aids. Several companies now make the devices, which have been implanted in hundreds of thousands of people around the world.

Robotic Gloves

Ironhand, from Swedish company Bioservo Technologies, is the world’s first industrial-strength robotic glove for factory workers and others who perform repetitive manual tasks. It helps prevent stress injuries but has been especially warmly received by workers with preexisting hand injuries and conditions. The glove is based on a suite of patents for the technology developed by NASA and General Motors to build the hands of the Robonaut 2 humanoid robotic astronaut.

Smart Glasses

Neurofeedback technology NASA originally developed to improve pilots’ attention has been the basis for products aimed at helping people manage attention disorders without medication. The devices measure brainwave output to gauge attention levels according to the “engagement index” a NASA engineer created. Then, they show the results to users, helping them learn to voluntarily control their degree of concentration. One such device is a pair of smart glasses from Narbis, whose lenses darken as attention wanes.

Anti-Gravity Treadmills

A NASA scientist who developed ways to use air pressure to simulate gravity for astronauts exercising in space had the idea to apply the concept for the opposite effect on Earth. After licensing his technology, Alter-G Inc. developed its anti-gravity G-Trainer treadmill, which lets users offload some or all of their weight while exercising. The treadmills can help people recover from athletic or brain injuries, and they allow a safe exercise regimen for others with long-term conditions such as arthritis.

Wireless Muscle Sensors

Some of the most exciting assistive technologies to spin off may be yet to come. Delsys Inc. developed electromyographic technology to help NASA understand the effects of long-term weightlessness on astronauts’ muscles and movements. Electromyography detects and analyzes electrical signals emitted when motor nerves trigger movement. Among the company’s customers are physical therapists developing exercise routines to help patients recover from injuries. But some researchers are using the technology to attempt recoveries that once seemed impossible, such as helping paralyzed patients regain movement, letting laryngectomy patients speak, and outfitting amputees with artificial limbs that work like the real thing.  

To further enhance the lives of people with disabilities, NASA has identified a selection of patented technologies created for space missions that could spur the next generation of assistive technology here on Earth.

Want to learn more about assistive technologies already in action? Check out NASA Spinoff to find products and services that wouldn’t exist without space exploration.   

Make sure to follow us on Tumblr for your regular dose of space!

[chronicbitchsyndrome]

maybe im just not cool like the trendy disabled bloggers constantly posting exaggerated violent threats on here or w/e but i just don't see problems with people joking about july as queer wrath month. most months are multiple things. april is autism acceptance month and child abuse prevention month and national poetry month. hell, if you want this specific overlap, october is lgbt history month and disability employment awareness month (it's also the uk's black history month). it's not ~stealing valor~ for queer wrath and disability pride to be the same month, and if it was then we'd have to also have a conversation about how irish-americans and colon cancer patients are stealing valor from women in march, or something. don't be a dick.

[thedisablednaturalist]

Did you know, October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month?

This month highlights the work people with disabilities do in government, nonprofit, and private businesses.

For more information on NDEAM,

Did you also know that if you have a disability, you can access jobs in the federal government non-competitively? The WRP program allows persons with disabilities to circumvent the application process and be contacted by government employers directly. It also provides assistance with resumes. The WRP program application open enrollment is from August 26 to October 15th. To learn more, the WRP website is here:

Unfortunately this year's open enrollment has passed, but this gives aspiring applicants time to get their schedule A letter from a medical provider or disability counselor. For more information on schedule A:

All disabilities, including mental, physical, intellectual, learning, and neurological can receive a schedule A letter. This letter DOES NOT DISCLOSE YOUR PERSONAL DISABILITY. It just certifies that you have a disability.

This is how I got my position at the EPA, which has done a great job utilizing the schedule A process. This year was the first year that the EPA flew the disability pride flag at headquarters.

Feel free to send me asks if you have any questions, I'd also love to hear from others who have found success with schedule A and WRP.

[whumpinggrounds]

Disability Activists Worth Knowing

Hi! In honor of Disability Pride Month, which is July in the USA, I am writing about some disabled activists who I think are cool. Many of you are (hopefully) familiar with giants like Helen Keller and Judy Heumann, but there are a lot of really interesting people out there whose names aren’t as widely shared, especially those who are also POC, queer, and/or non-American.

Please feel free to add more disabled people, or information about people I’ve already listed! Note that this post is intended to be about people who advocate for the disabled community and are also disabled themselves. Non-disabled advocates have also done a lot for the community! But that is not who this post is about <3

Final disclaimer: This is a post that I researched quickly, and specifically sought out some new people I hadn’t heard about. If there’s someone on this list that’s fucked up, feel free to add that, and even feel free to @ me so I can reblog your correction. Please do not yell at me or assume I’m aware of every political opinion/possible transgression of the many people on this list pls

Now, in no particular order -

Javed Abidi was an activist who advocated for disability rights in India. He helped pass the Person with Disabilities act in Parliament, and served as the first director of the National Centre for Promotion of Employment of Disabled People.

Ola Abu Al Ghaib is a Palestinian activist who works to promote the rights of people with disabilities, particularly women with disabilities, in the Arab States, Africa, and Asia.

Ari Ne’eman is an Israeli-American activist who founded the Autism Self Advocacy Network, one of the earliest advocacy organizations run both by and for Autistic people. Currently, he consults with the ACLU on disability justice issues and is writing a book about disability history in the USA.

Dana Bolles is an American spaceflight engineer and advocate for people with disabilities in STEM. She also advocates for women and the queer community, and currently works at NASA.

Fatima al-Aqel was a Yemeni woman who advocated for blind and visually impaired women in Yemen, as well as opening Yemen’s first school for the blind. She later founded the Al-Aman Organization Blind Women Care to further opportunities for blind women in the social and professional spheres, as well as working to adapt literature to Braille.

Judi Chamberlain was an American activist, leader, speaker, and educator in the psychiatric survivors movement. Her book On Our Own: Patient-Controlled Alternatives to the Mental Health System is a foundational text in the Mad Pride movement and argues for the rights of patients in psychiatric care.

María Soledad Cisternas Reyes is a Chilean lawyer and disability rights advocate who has helped increase access for disabled people in Chile and internationally, through her work with the UN. She has also been recognized for her work on the intersection of rights of disabled people, children, women, indigenous people, and the elderly.

Tony Coelho is an American politician of Portuguese descent who was the primary sponsor of the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) and was a former chairman of the Epilepsy Foundation.

Justin Dart Jr. was an American activist and disability advocate who was regarded as the father (or sometimes godfather) of the ADA. Other notable accomplishments include founding his university’s first group to oppose racism, founding the American Association of People with Disabilities, and receiving a Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Vic Finkelstein is a South African disability rights activist and writer who pioneered the social model of disability. He spent the latter part of his life in Britain after being imprisoned and banned from South Africa for anti-apartheid activities.

Chen Guangcheng is a Chinese civil rights activist, often referred to as a “barefoot lawyer,” who worked on civil rights cases in rural China. Due to his advocacy and activist work surrounding land rights, women’s rights, disability rights, and the welfare of the poor, Chen was repeatedly imprisoned and eventually left China for the USA.

Rick Hansen is a Canadian paralympian and activist, most famous for circling the world in a wheelchair to raise money for charity. His journey lasted just over 2 years, with an average of 8 hours of wheeling per day. He founded the Hansen foundation to raise funds and awareness to create a world without barriers for people with disabilities.

Abha Khetarpal is an Indian poet, author, and disability rights activist and counselor who founded a counseling/educational resource website and app for people with disabilities. Her work focuses on disability and women’s rights, with a focus on sexual liberation and sexual education and access for disabled people.

Harriet McBryde Johnson was an American author, attorney, and disability rights activist who specialized in securing Social Security benefits for disabled clients who could not work. She debated Peter Singer, arguably the most famous philosopher in America today, on the right of parents to euthanize their disabled children, an encounter she wrote about in the essay Unspeakable Conversations. 

Yetnebersh Nigussie is an Ethiopian lawyer who primarily works in disability rights and anti-AIDs activism. She is a 2017 winner of the Right Livelihood award, widely considered the “Alternative Nobel Prize.”

Satendra Singh is an Indian medical doctor who has advocated extensively for disability rights and access in India, including founding an “Enabling Unit,” a group staffed entirely by people with disabilities that ensures other disabled people are able to attend medical school and associated programs with proper accommodations and support.

Lauren Tuchman was the first blind woman to be ordained as a rabbi. She advocates primarily for disability rights and an inclusive Torah.

Emmanuel Yeboah is a Ghanian athlete and activist who rode a bike across Ghana to raise awareness about the lack of disability rights and access in the country, specifically a lack of wheelchairs. He currently works on ensuring education access for children with and without disabilities in Ghana.

Stella Young was an Australian comedian and journalist who was known for coining the term “inspiration porn.”

Nabil Shaban is a Jordanian-British actor and writer who is best known as the villain Sil on Dr. Who. He co-founded Graeae, a theater group which promotes the work of disabled actors.

That’s all I have for you! Please feel free to add :) I am considering writing up a few more posts about disabled celebrities, artists, etc, so let me know if you’d be interested <3

[victorjohndagala]

National Disability Awareness Month is a time dedicated to raising awareness about the experiences, rights, and needs of people with disabilities. This annual event provides an opportunity for individuals, communities, and organizations to come together and promote inclusivity, accessibility, and equal opportunities for people with disabilities. During this month, people are encouraged to learn more about disabilities, celebrate the contributions of people with disabilities, and advocate for policies that support their full participation in all aspects of society. By increasing understanding and promoting acceptance, National Disability Awareness Month aims to create a more inclusive and welcoming society for all.

HISTORY OF NATIONAL DISABILITY AWARENESS MONTH

The history of National Disability Awareness Month can be traced back to 1945 when Congress designated the first week of October as National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week. The week was later expanded to include people with all types of disabilities and became National Disability Employment Awareness Month. In 1988, the month was officially designated as National Disability Awareness Month.

During this month, various events and activities are organized to promote disability awareness, including public talks, workshops, film screenings, art exhibits, and disability-friendly sports and recreation events. The goal of these events is to promote understanding and acceptance of people with disabilities, and to encourage the wider community to become more inclusive and accessible.

WHY IS AWARENESS IMPORTANT?

Awareness is important because it can lead to increased understanding and empathy, and ultimately to positive changes in attitudes and behaviors. When people are aware of an issue, they are more likely to recognize its impact and take action to address it.

In the context of disabilities, awareness is particularly important because it can help to break down stereotypes and reduce stigma. When people are more aware of the challenges that individuals with disabilities face in their everyday lives, they are more likely to be empathetic and understanding, and less likely to discriminate or marginalize them. Increased awareness can also lead to greater support for policies and initiatives that promote accessibility and inclusion.

Awareness is also important because it can lead to greater inclusion and opportunities for people with disabilities. When people are more aware of disability issues, they are more likely to advocate for the rights of people with disabilities and to work towards creating a more accessible and inclusive society. This can result in increased employment opportunities, better access to education, and improved access to public spaces and services.

In addition, awareness can help to promote a more positive image of people with disabilities. When people are more aware of the abilities and accomplishments of people with disabilities, they are less likely to view them as a burden or a liability. This can help to reduce stigma and discrimination and promote greater acceptance and understanding.

INSPIRING STORIES OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

For those with disability, how do you think people see you as someone with a disability?

People with disabilities can be seen as fabulous for many reasons, just like anyone else. Having a disability does not define a person's entire identity. People with disabilities may have unique strengths, talents, and perspectives that make them fabulous individuals. They may have overcome significant challenges or achieved great things despite their disability, which can be inspiring to others.

However, people with disabilities are often subject to stereotypes and negative attitudes. They may be seen as less capable or deserving of certain opportunities, or they may be pitied or objectified. This can be frustrating and discouraging, as it can limit their opportunities and diminish their sense of self-worth.

"Breaking Barriers: A Girl's Journey of Working Despite Disabilities"

Individuals with disabilities have unique skills, perspectives, and experiences that can be valuable assets to any workplace. It's important to recognize that disability does not define a person's abilities or potential, and that everyone should have equal access to opportunities to work and contribute to society. By creating inclusive workplaces and providing reasonable accommodations, employers can tap into the talents and potential of individuals with disabilities, and help them achieve their full potential. Additionally, individuals with disabilities who work often gain a sense of purpose, independence, and fulfillment, as they contribute to their communities and achieve their personal and professional goals. Disability should never be a barrier to working or pursuing one's passions and aspirations.

Here's another story about Anna's Celebration of Life Foundation and how they help kids with disabilities and other special needs.

Celebrating life despite disabilities is about embracing our abilities and strengths, building resilience and a positive mindset, building meaningful relationships, engaging in meaningful work or volunteering, focusing on self-care and wellness, seeking out role models and mentors, challenging stereotypes and promoting awareness, celebrating diversity and inclusion, pursuing education and personal growth, engaging in creative expression, embracing assistive technology and adaptive strategies, and cultivating gratitude and mindfulness. By embracing these practices, we can live a fulfilling and joyful life, no matter what challenges we may face.

CHALLENGES FACED BY PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

People with disabilities face numerous challenges in their daily lives, including physical, social, and economic barriers that can limit their participation in society. These challenges include:

Physical barriers: Many people with disabilities face physical barriers that prevent them from accessing buildings, transportation, and public spaces. For example, wheelchair users may find it difficult to access buildings that do not have ramps or elevators, while people with vision impairments may have difficulty navigating unfamiliar environments that do not have clear signage.

Social barriers: People with disabilities may face social barriers such as discrimination, stigma, and isolation. These barriers can make it difficult for people with disabilities to participate in social activities, find employment, or access healthcare.

Economic barriers: People with disabilities are more likely to experience poverty and unemployment than people without disabilities. This is often due to discrimination, lack of accessible education and training, and inaccessible workplaces.

HOW INDIVIDUALS AND ORGANIZATIONS CAN GET INVOLVED?

Volunteer: Many disability-related organizations and service providers rely on volunteers to support their programs and services. Consider volunteering your time and skills to a disability-related organization during National Disability Awareness Month. You can help with events, advocacy campaigns, fundraising, or other activities.

Donate: Nonprofit organizations that serve people with disabilities often rely on donations to fund their programs and services. Consider making a donation to a disability-related organization during National Disability Awareness Month. Even a small donation can make a difference.

Attend Events: Attend events related to disability awareness during the month of October. This can include events such as workshops, conferences, and fundraisers. By attending, you can learn more about disability-related issues and meet other people who are passionate about disability rights.

Advocate: Use your voice to advocate for disability rights during National Disability Awareness Month. This can include sharing information and resources on social media, contacting your elected officials to voice your concerns about disability policy, or participating in disability-related rallies and protests.

Learn More: Take the time to educate yourself about disability-related issues during National Disability Awareness Month. This can include reading books and articles written by people with disabilities, attending disability-related webinars, or watching documentaries and films that center around disability.

[work-at-home-mania]

Webinar: SSI/SSDI Free Employment Services || 10/24/2024

Webinar: SSI/SSDI Free Employment Services || 10/24/2024 October 1, 2024 Posted by: ladler Category: Events No Comments ladler October 1, 2024 Thank you to everyone who registered for and attended our October 24th free webinar!  For a list of our future events, click here! Did you know that October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month?  Join us for a webinar! Open to anyone…

[tndda]

Meet Levi! His hard work and dedication to customers make him an ideal employee at the Stockdale's in Paris, Tennessee. When he's not loading feed for customers, he's organizing, reaching the top shelf, and helping shoppers with all of their needs. In honor of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, DDA is excited to highlight employment stories across the Volunteer State. No matter your age or ability, you have something incredible to add to your community and workplace.

[insideoutvietnam]

National Down Syndrome Society and Voya Cares® announce recipients of two grants for entrepreneurs with Down syndrome to fund ice cream and arts

New York, NY, Nov. 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Since 2020, the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) and Voya Cares® have collaborated to provide financial support to entrepreneurs with Down syndrome, allowing them to create or expand their businesses. The NDSS and Voya Cares Entrepreneur Grant celebrates both Down Syndrome Awareness Month and National Disability Employment Awareness Month and…

[bbnewsin125]

#BreakingAlertMayor Muriel Bowser will host the Disability Career Fair On Wednesday, October 30 at 11:00 a.m.,in celebration of National Disability Employment Awareness Month.  #Harris #Trump #breakingnews #news #international #bbn #bbnewsinternational #corp #bulletinews #dailynews  #worldnews #trendingnews #newsmedia #newsdaily #newsroom #internationaleditor www.bbnewsin.com 

[missmitchieg]

What is a "reasonable accommodation" anyway??

[jemmabrown]

#Reblog: Actual things said to disabled people who asked for accommodations

Editor’s note: I originally posted this on LinkedIn as a part of recognizing National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Actual things said to … Actual things said to disabled people who asked for accommodations I’m going to add a few of my own: When I pointed out changes in routine were difficult for me due to anxiety/autism they said, “no one else has a problem”. When I asked for better…

[sunaleisocial]

Meghan Daley: Shaping the Future of NASA’s Robotic Simulations  - NASA

New Post has been published on https://sunalei.org/news/meghan-daley-shaping-the-future-of-nasas-robotic-simulations-nasa/

Meghan Daley: Shaping the Future of NASA’s Robotic Simulations  - NASA

During National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we celebrate the thousands of employees living with disabilities who contribute to NASA’s mission. By sharing their stories, we highlight the impact people with disabilities have on our organization and the vital role they play in fostering an inclusive workforce at NASA.

Meghan Daley has spent nearly two decades blazing new trails in robotics. As a project manager in NASA’s Engineering, Software Robotics, and Simulation Division at Johnson Space Center in Houston, she is building simulations that will shape the future of space exploration. 

From training astronauts with advanced robotic tools to collaborating with the Department of Defense on research simulations, Daley’s work is transforming how humans interact with space, ensuring that every mission is set up for success. 

Daley oversees key programs at Johnson, including the Generic On-Orbit Robotic Trainer (GROOT), the Robotic OnBoard Trainer, and Dynamics Skills Trainers. These tools are vital to NASA’s mission and are used in both ground-based simulations and real-time space operations. 

One of Daley’s proudest achievements is launching GROOT, a simulation system that trains astronauts in a variety of robotic operations. From handling the Canadarm2 for spacecraft docking to servicing satellites, GROOT prepares astronauts for tasks like performing maintenance, assembling structures in space, managing cargo, and even coordinating multiple robotic systems.  

The tool also supports astronauts in mastering robotic inspections, autonomous operations, and emergency procedures, making it indispensable for missions to the Moon and Mars. 

During a visit by Gen. John W. Raymond to the Systems Engineering Simulator, the general requested an outdated rendezvous and proximity operations simulation for the United States Space Force.  

Recognizing the limitations of the old system and knowing her team’s capabilities, Daley proposed building a new simulation from scratch to meet their needs. In 2019, GROOT was born and continues to be a critical asset in NASA’s training toolkit. 

For Daley, celebrating her identity and culture in the workplace is about advocacy and education. She is passionate about using her voice to promote awareness and understanding, not just for her own experience, but for the benefit of all. 

“Being a woman in engineering is extremely difficult. However, being a woman with a disability in engineering is even harder,” Daley said. “I have learned how important it is to communicate your ideas, questions, and concerns.” 

When reflecting on her career, Daley says she cannot pick a favorite project. Each one—from Orion to Gateway to the International Space Station and space shuttle—has deepened her understanding of NASA’s vision.  

As Daley looks to the future of robotics and human spaceflight, she remains optimistic and passionate about inspiring the next generation of explorers.  

“Keep your hope and don’t be afraid to ask questions because that is how you learn and become a leader!” she said.