October is National Disability Awareness Month. National Disability Employment Awareness Month was declared in 1988 by the United States Congress for the month of October to raise awareness of the employment needs and contributions of individuals with all types of disabilities. The theme for 2021 NDEAM is “America’s Recovery: Powered by Inclusion.”

The employment of people with disabilities is seen not only as a civil rights issue, but also a practical boon for businesses. Employing people with disabilities has been shown to benefit businesses due to lower turnover, increased productivity and access to a broader pool of skilled workers. For people with disabilities, it means great economic self-sufficiency, a chance to use their skills, more social connections and more active participation in community life.

On Oct. 13 there is a virtual summit presented by Disability:IN Utah and the Governor’s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities. “Diversity in Disability — Leveraging DE&I and Disability in the Workforce. This meeting is free and runs from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.

In addition to the sessions, they will also be holding their 47th Annual Golden Key Awards which awards local businesses for their contributions in creating more exclusive workforces.

With all of the job openings throughout our communities in every industry, perhaps now is the right time for employers to look beyond what their perception of the traditional employee. There are many businesses around us who are successfully doing this. The best way to encourage inclusion is to thank your local businesses who are hiring individuals with disabilities and acknowledge the value they are bringing to their lives as well as the betterment of our community.