The Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development (MDHEWD) proudly joins state and national agencies and organizations in recognizing the 80th anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, an annual recognition of the positive impact and contributions of individuals with disabilities in the workforce. This year’s theme, “Celebrating Value and Talent,” highlights the importance of equal employment opportunities for all individuals and increasing opportunities for people with disabilities in the workforce.
“We are proud to recognize National Disability Employment Awareness Month and highlight our commitment to ensuring every Missourian, including those with disabilities, are offered the opportunity to achieve the skills and education needed for success,” said Dr. Bennett Boggs, Commissioner of the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development. “Accessibility is fundamental to Missouri’s workforce, and by removing barriers to employment we can ultimately work together to help strengthen the state’s economy.”
Missouri Job Centers across the state serve thousands of individuals with disabilities each year, ensuring all Missourians have equal access to employment services, training, and education to pursue new skills and career opportunities. Missouri also continues to lead the nation in providing apprenticeship opportunities to those with disabilities to pursue high-quality career pathways.
MDHEWD has partnered with the National Disability Institute with the goal of helping 2,500 youth with disabilities explore STEM career pathways through apprenticeship opportunities.
"STEM careers offer Missouri's youth with disabilities strong possibilities of entering a high-demand field with high earning potential after completing a registered apprenticeship," said Julie Carter, Director of the Office of Workforce Development. "We are thankful for this partnership and the ability to lay the framework for others as we continuously explore opportunities to better serve Missourians."
National Disability Employment Awareness Month began in 1945 as a weeklong recognition of people with physical disabilities, and has since expanded to a monthlong celebration that embraces people with all disabilities, including those with mental health conditions and other invisible disabilities. The month serves as an opportunity to raise awareness, highlight the importance of expanding access to employment, and showcase supportive workplace policies and practices that benefit employers and employees.
For more information about National Disability Employment Awareness Month, visit the U.S. Department of Labor’s website at dol.gov/NDEAM. For more information about Missouri Job Centers and the free services available, visit jobs.mo.gov/.
Those interested in apprenticeship opportunities can visit the MDHEWD website. For more information about the National Disability Institute, visit nationaldisabilityinstitute.org/.