October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month

RCS Empowers, Inc. announced its participation in National Disability Employment Awareness Month, an annual awareness campaign that takes place each October. The purpose of National Disability Employment Awareness Month is to educate about disability employment issues and celebrate the many and varied contributions of America’s workers with disabilities. This year’s theme is “Inclusion Drives Innovation.” “RCS Empowers, Inc. is proud to promote National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we not only celebrate in October, but we also live that mission all year long,” said Lynn Justinger, Employment Services Manager. “We want to spread the word that individuals with disabilities are valuable, reliable and enthusiastic employees to many local businesses seeking to fill open positions.”

The history of National Disability Employment Awareness Month traces back to 1945, when Congress enacted a law declaring the first week in October each year “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.

“Americans of all abilities must have access to good, safe jobs,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta. “Smart employers know that including different perspectives in problem-solving situations leads to better solutions. Hiring employees with diverse abilities strengthens their business, increases competition and drives innovation.”

Reflecting this year’s theme, throughout the month, RCS Empowers, Inc. will be engaging in a variety of activities to educate the community on disability employment issues and its commitment to an inclusive work culture. These efforts include Take Your Legislator to Work events, testimonials of area employers on Facebook, and the 16th Annual Employer Recognition Luncheon, recognizing 126 Sheboygan County businesses who have partnered with RCS and successfully hired individuals with disabilities.  The luncheon is in partnership with HearthStone of Wisconsin, Sheboygan County’s disability advocacy group.

“If you’re not familiar with RCS Empowers and the things they’re doing in Sheboygan County to match up willing employees like Shelley with employers who need reliable help, let me tell you: they’re changing people’s lives!,” said Terry Katsma, State Representative of the 26th Assembly District. Employers and employees in all industries can learn more about how to participate in National Disability Employment Awareness Month and promote diversity in their workforce by contact Lynn Justinger at 920-694-1206.