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‘Inclusion Drives Innovation’ is theme of National Disability Employment Awareness Month 2017

By Brett Sheats, J.D.Oct 5, 2017

As the nation's largest minority, comprising approximately 56.7 million individuals (according to 2010 Census Bureau data), people with disabilities are an essential component of workforce diversity and inclusion. Their varying viewpoints and creative ways of thinking and problem-solving—often born of necessity—are key drivers of workplace innovation.

In recognition of the value that these employees add to America's workplaces, "Inclusion Drives Innovation" is the official theme of this year's National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). Observed each October, NDEAM celebrates the achievements of U.S. workers with disabilities and educates the employers and the public that benefit from their skills and talents about the importance of a disability-inclusive workforce.

NDEAM traces back to the end of World War II, when the return of service members with disabilities sparked public interest in their contributions to the workplace. In 1945, President Harry S. Truman approved a Congressional resolution declaring the first week in October as National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week. In 1962, the word "physically" was removed to acknowledge individuals with all types of disabilities; in 1988, Congress extended the observance to a month and changed its name.

While many HR practitioners intuitively understand the case for workplace inclusion, a growing body of research outlines the argument for it in strictly business terms. A recent study published by global management consulting firm McKinsey & Company revealed that companies with greater inclusion practices among their leadership teams are more likely to have financial returns above their industries' medians. This outcome may be attributed to the presence of diverse perspectives on how to solve problems and achieve business success.

The true spirit of NDEAM emerges from activities conducted by individual organizations and their employees. To encourage and assist SHRM members and SHRM-certified professionals to participate in observing NDEAM, the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) offers a range of ideas and materials, including an official poster in English and Spanish, sample articles, a press release and ready-to-use social media content.

NDEAM is an opportune time for HR professionals to refresh their knowledge and understanding of disability employment issues. The Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion (EARN) can help with education, training and outreach, a newsletter, and online resources at AskEARN.org. EARN educates businesses of all sizes on ways to build disability-inclusive workplace cultures and effectively recruit, hire, retain and advance qualified people with disabilities. Regularly scheduled EARN webinars are pre-approved for SHRM recertification credits (PDCs). The SHRM Body of Competency and Knowledge (BoCK) addresses the topic of employees with disabilities in the Global & Cultural Effectiveness behavioral competency and in the Diversity & Inclusion functional area of the HR Expertise technical competency.

EARN is funded by ODEP under a cooperative agreement with The Viscardi Center, a network of nonprofits providing programs and services that educate, employ and empower people with disabilities. They include not only people born with disabilities but also those who become ill or injured during their working years, whose skills and talents employers—and the U.S. economy—cannot afford to lose.

Brett Sheats, J.D., is the national project director of the Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion (EARN), based in Washington, D.C.