By Laura Walling, Senior Director of Government Relations, Goodwill Industries International
Goodwill Industries International is proud to celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). In his Presidential Proclamation, President Biden urged Americans to embrace the talents and skills that workers with disabilities bring to the workplace. As the President observed, “For far too long in this country, employers could refuse to hire you if you were disabled. Stores could turn you away. If you used a wheelchair, there was no real way to take a bus or train to work or school. America simply was not built for all Americans.”
NDEAM dates to 1945, when Congress designated the first week in October to recognize people with disabilities and their potential. This year’s NDEAM theme, “Disability: Part of the Equity Equation,” highlights the benefits of fully including all people, in particular those with disabilities, into all aspects of society and the workplace.
The administration has taken a number of steps to address barriers to helping historically underserved communities, including people with disabilities. On his first day in office, President Biden signed Executive Order 13985, “Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government” and directed all federal departments and agencies to examine their policies and programs. In April 2022, the department published its Equity Action Plan to support marginalized, vulnerable and underserved communities, and outline its efforts to advance equity across the department. Last month federal officials announced $177 million awarded to 14 states to increase competitive integrated employment.
Congress is working on these barriers as well. The bipartisan infrastructure law passed by Congress will expand access to transit for people with disabilities. Several more bills are pending that will strengthen employment opportunities and supports for people with disabilities, including revamping the Supplemental Security Income program by adjusting the total amount of benefits for people with disabilities across the nation, increasing their economic security and mobility; addressing the shortage of direct care and long-term care workers; and expanding access to affordable assistive technology. Furthermore, lawmakers are examining ways to include people with disabilities in every area of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act as the bill is up for reauthorization.
Goodwill wants to ensure that all Americans who want to work can, and that they have access to services that enable them to do so. In 2021, local Goodwill organizations placed more than 140,000 people with disabilities into employment. Goodwill organizations also provide support services like rehabilitation programs for people with injuries or illnesses, occupational skills training, and job readiness and soft skills training. We support local Goodwill leaders as they collaborate with people with disabilities, local employers, and other service providers to create an array of community-based employment and other opportunities and we will continue to advocate for policies that result in increased employment opportunities and supports for people with disabilities.
