National Disability Employment Awareness month is observed annually in October. This year’s theme is "profit by investing in workers with disabilities." Read more of ALCOAST 4586/11.

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ALCOAST 458/11
COMDTNOTE 5354

SUBJ: NATIONAL DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT AWARENESS MONTH

A. COAST GUARD CIVIL RIGHTS MANUAL, COMDTINST M5350.4 (SERIES)

1. National Disability Employment Awareness month is observed annually in October. This year’s theme is "profit by investing in workers with disabilities." The effort to educate the American public about issues related to disability and employment began in 1945, when Congress enacted a law declaring the first week in October "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."

2. Americans with disabilities should be given the same opportunities as Americans without disabilities: to live independently, to pursue meaningful careers, to graduate high school and college, to own homes, to make choices, and to enjoy complete integration into American society. Having a disability is a natural part of life and should not be treated as a life sentence of exclusion, poverty, or dependency on others. Individuals with disabilities, like most Americans, harbor the need to be productive, self-reliant, and actively involved in the mainstream of the American society.

3. In an effort to lead the way in improving the plight of Americans with disabilities, various laws have been established by the Federal government to enforce and encourage improvements in the employment of individuals with disabilities. Even though laws have been passed concerning improving and increasing employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities, people with a work disability are less likely to be employed than people with no disability.

4. The Federal government has taken great strides to establish processes for employing Americans with disabilities, but too often qualified applicants with disabilities are not hired. More can be done to employ, develop, promote, and maintain disabled employees in the federal government.

5. The Department of Transportation’s Disability Resource Center (DRC) provides job accommodations and related services to dot employees, the coast guard and job applicants. Technical support is also available to assist managers and supervisors in recruiting and retaining persons with disabilities through special hiring authorities designed to annul attitudinal barriers. Hiring officials should use them whenever possible. Assistive technology and needs assessments are available through the Department of Defense’s Computer/electronic Accommodation Program (CAP), at www.tricare.mil/cap.

6. Coast Guard units and commands are encouraged to observe National Disability Employment Awareness month and to participate in National Disability Mentoring day on 19 October 2011. This day promotes career development for students and job-seekers with disabilities through job shadowing and hands-on career exploration which lead to internships and employment opportunities. Additional information can be found at www.aapd.com.

7. CAPT P. E. BOINAY, ACTING DIRECTOR, CIVIL RIGHTS DIRECTORATE, SENDS.
8. INTERNET RELEASE AUTHORIZED.