October Declared Disability Employment Awareness Month

October has been declared Disability Employment Awareness Month in the State of Hawai’i by Governor David Ige and Lieutenant Governor Shan Tsutsui.

During the month of October, citizens will be encouraged to renew their commitment to embrace the talents and skills in the workplace and community of individuals with disabilities.

The Hawai’i State Council on Developmental Disabilities will partner with Hawai’i’s Department of Human Services Division of Vocational Rehabilitation in displaying pictures of individuals with disabilities who are employed across the state. Photographs will be displayed around the chamber lobby area of the State Capitol.

“This year’s theme encapsulates the important message that people with disabilities are just that — people,” said Jennifer Sheehy, acting assistant secretary of labor for disability employment policy. “And like all people, we are the sum of many parts, including our work experiences. Disability is an important perspective we bring to the table, but, of course, it’s not the only one.”

Each year in Hawai’i, Disability Employment Awareness Month is held in October to coincide with National Disability Employment Awareness Month. The 2015 awareness month, a nationwide campaign that raises the awareness about disability employment issues and celebrates the various contributions of America’s workers with disabilities, is themed “My Disability Is One Part Of Who I Am.

Disability Employment Awareness Month supports the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act in increasing opportunities for individuals with disabilities in Hawai’i to engage in competitive integrated employment and invests in the important connection between education and career preparation.