National Disability Employment Awareness Month

What is it'

National Disability Employment Awareness Month is an opportunity to recognize the talents, skills and dedication of Americans with disabilities who are a vital part of our workforce. In addition to increasing the public's awareness of the contributions and skills of American workers with disabilities, the month is meant to raise awareness of specific ongoing employment barriers that need to be addressed. The 2009 national campaign theme is "Expectation + Opportunity = Full Participation," which supports the Department of Labor's Disability Employment Policy's vision of a world with unlimited employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

What has the Army done'

The Equal Employment Opportunity and Civil Rights Office continues to provide disabled employees with support while also working to increase the number of disabled employees through a dedicated special emphasis program. A Disability

Mentoring Day will be held at the Pentagon on Oct. 19th, it will provide

disabled students and veterans an opportunity to learn about civilian

jobs and opportunities with the Department of the Army. Training seminars aimed at teaching participants how to write an effective resume or cover letter and how to prepare for a job interview will be held throughout the day as well.

What continued efforts does the Army have planned for the future'

The Army Wounded Warrior Program provides support for Soldiers and veterans who were severely wounded, injured or became ill while serving their country. The program assists and advocates for these Soldiers, regardless of their location or their recovery/rehabilitation timeline. The Army will also continue to support in the planning and execution of events meant to recognize the contributions of disabled employees, including the 29th Annual Department of Defense Disability Awards Ceremony and 22nd Annual Department of Defense Disability Forum.

Why is it important to the Army'

The Army believes that disabled does not equal disqualified and recognizes the talent that exists in disabled veterans and civilian applicants. The number of wounded Soldiers has grown after more than seven years of sustained conflict. The Army is committed to showing its Soldiers the same level of appreciation and dedication that they showed their country by providing them with the resources they need to build a strong personal and professional life for themselves as they transition into civilian life.

Resources:

<a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/Presidential-Proclamation-National-Disability-Employment-Awareness-Month/" target="_blank">President's Proclamation on the National Disability Employment Awareness Month, 2009</a>

<a href="http://www.dol.gov/odep" target="_blank">Office of Disability Employment Policy </a>

<a href="http://eeoa.army.pentagon.mil/web/index.cfm" target="_blank">Department of the Army Equal Employment Opportunity and Civil Rights Office </a>

<a href="http://www.aw2.army.mil/" target="_blank">Army Wounded Warrior Program</a>

Call: 1- 800-237-1336