My Disability is One Part of Who I Am
October 21, 2015
Categories:
DOL
My Disability is One Part of Who I Am is the theme of the 70th Annual Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEM). Celebrated every October, NDEM creates extended opportunities to provide education on disability employment issues to honor the many contributions of workers with disabilities.
Americans with disabilities have made a profound impact in politics, the arts, sports, the U.S. Armed Forces and our government. But they are often marginalized and more likely to be unemployed, underemployed, experience persistent poverty, and discrimination in the workplace.
"Who I AM" (60 seconds, subtitles) from CDE: What Can You Do? on Vimeo.
The availability of government services and community-based programs that provide cash assistance, transportation and other necessities is often on the chopping block as Congress and state governments curtail their budgets.
Through legislative advocacy and grassroots mobilization, AFGE activists take on lawmakers who seek to diminish services that working families depend on. The AFGE Women’s and Fair Practices Departments are committed to fighting for and educating members about the workplace rights of workers with disabilities.
From employment rights manuals to legal representation, AFGE provides members with the tools they need to affirm the rights of all working people.
Complaints of discrimination based on disability have increased every year since 2005 and are currently at an all-time high. In 2012, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) received 26,379 complaints. It’s imperative that we defend and protect the rights of our brothers and sisters with disabilities and be a voice for justice.
AFGE is proud to play an important part in fostering inclusive workplaces where every person is recognized for their abilities every day of the year. Click here to learn more about AFGE’s Women’s and Fair Practices Department and contact the office at [email protected].
