The LIFE Center for Independent Living Celebrates National Disability Employment Awareness Month

The LIFE Center for Independent Living, representing individuals with disabilities in St. Francois, Ste. Genevieve, and Madison counties today announced it is joining the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy in recognizing National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), an annual awareness campaign that takes place each October. The purpose of National Disability Employment Awareness Month is to educate the public about disability employment issues and celebrate the many and varied contributions of America's workers with disabilities. This year's theme is "Advancing Access and Equity."
The history of NDEAM traces back to 1945, when it started as a week and focused only on people with physical disabilities. Later, it expanded to a full month, and its name and scope evolved to acknowledge the importance of increasing the workforce inclusion of people with all nature of disabilities to include not only physical but developmental disabilities as well.
“Our communities and economy are strengthened by the inclusion of all people, including people with disabilities,” said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Disability Employment Policy Taryn M. Williams. “Their contributions have historically been vital to our nation’s success and are more important today than ever. We must build an accessible, equitable economy that fully includes the talent and drive of those with disabilities.”
Reflecting this year's theme, throughout the month, The LIFE Center will be engaging in a variety of activities to educate the public on disability employment issues and its commitment to an accessible and equitable work culture. These efforts include: An overview presentation to the additional 21 non-profit Independent Living Centers that serve disabled consumers across the state of Missouri and two public meetings where the LIFE Center would like to extend an open invitation to members of the disabled communities the LIFE Center serves to learn how they may break the barriers of a fixed income that could lead to a more fulfilling life.  During these meetings, presenters will provide information regarding safety nets that can help individuals to slowly begin working and “test the waters” without fully giving up their current disability benefits.  These events will also be open to potential employers that can benefit from the information provided and help to encourage those who choose to participate in the Ticket to Work program and acquire gainful employment. 
Register in advance for our October 27th event - This meeting will occur from 10 am until 2 pm.  Those planning to attend will need to reserve a seat as lunch will be served.  Any potential employer or employment agency will need to register as well and provide information about your organization so that it can be shared with all of the attendees.  Please call The LIFE Center to save your place for this important opportunity at 573-756-4314.