Press Releases

Governor Brian Kemp Proclaims October as Disability Awareness Month in Georgia

September 30, 2021 (Atlanta, GA) - Governor Brian Kemp recently signed a proclamation declaring that October 2021 is Disability Employment Awareness Month in Georgia. The state of Georgia seeks to raise awareness about disability employment issues and celebrate the many and varied contributions of people with disabilities. As a part of the National Disability Employment Awareness month, the Georgia proclamation states that workplaces are encouraged to welcome the talents of people with disabilities, as it is a critical part of the state’s effort to build an inclusive community and strong economy in Georgia.

During Disability Employment Awareness Month there will be activities each week to reinforce the value and talent that people with disabilities add to workplaces and communities to affirm the state of Georgia’s commitment to an inclusive community. Areas that activities will include policy, employers, job seekers, and economic/workforce development.

“Hiring employees with disabilities strengthens business, increases competition, and drives innovation. During Disability Employment Awareness Month, the state of Georgia recognizes the importance of the perspectives of individuals living with disabilities, and calls on employers, schools, and others to recognize that people with disabilities are up to the task throughout the year,” said Governor Kemp.

Nine Georgia entities have joined in efforts to participate in National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Advancing Employment is joined in this effort by the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD), the Institute on Human Development and Disability at the University of Georgia, the State ADA Coordinator’s Office of the Georgia State Financing and Investment Commission, Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency (GVRA), the Center for Leadership in Disability at the Georgia State University School of Public Health, Georgia Advocacy Office (GAO), the Georgia Commission on Equal Opportunity from the Office of the Governor, Altierus Career College, Inclusively.com, and others.

The history of National Disability Employment Awareness Month dates back to 1945, when Congress enacted a law declaring the first week of each October “National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week.” In 1988, Congress expanded the week to a month and changed the name to National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

Employers and employees in all industries can learn more about how to participate in National Disability Employment Awareness Month and ways they can promote its messages — during October and throughout the year — by visiting www.dol.gov/NDEAM.

Visit www.advancingemployment.com for more information and resources.