“A Strong Workforce is an Inclusive Workforce: What can YOU Do?” will serve as the 2012 theme for October’s National Disability Employment Awareness Month, a recent US Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment news release reports.  The theme is designed to promote the benefits of a diverse workforce that includes workers with disabilities.

According to the news release, the theme’s early announcement may assist communities nationwide in planning a series of announcements, events, and meetings slated for October. A select few events will continue through the year, such as proclamations, public awareness programs, and job fairs that showcase the skills and talents of workers with disabilities. 

Kathy Martinez, assistant secretary of labor for disability employment policy, emphasizes the benefits of a diverse workforce, “Employers who ensure that inclusive workplace policies and practices are woven into the fabric and the culture of the organization create an environment that encourages all workers—including those of us with disabilities—to work to their full capacity and contribute fully to the organization’s success,” Martinez says.

The release notes that the Labor Department’s Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) took responsibility for National Disability Employment Awareness Month in 2001. The awareness month reflects ODEP’s mission to provide national leadership by developing and influencing disability-related policies and practices to increase the employment of individuals with disabilities. 

Source: US Department of Labor