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National Disability Employment Awareness  Month 2023

National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) 2023

Advancing Access and Equity

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)! NDEAM aims to educate employers, employees with disabilities, and families about disability employment, and celebrate the many contributions of all workers with disabilities.

This year’s theme is “Advancing Access and Equity.” This theme means adapting to changes in the workplace, supporting accommodations for employees, and accessible workplace technology. It also means disabled youth are prepared to be successful in the workforce. MiDDC has created this web page to be a useful resource for employers, employees and families. Tools and resources will be shared throughout the month here and on our Facebook page

Advancing Access and Equity also means advancing competitive integrated employment. You can learn more about competitive integrated employment by visiting the Office of Disability Employment Policy's website. To celebrate this year's theme, MiDDC will be sharing Employment Success Stories from people with disabilities that have lived experience with competitive, integrated employment. 

NDEAM celebrates the contributions of workers with disabilities. Learn more about NDEAM by watching this video produced by the U.S. Department of Labor.
The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 was the first federal law to address access and equity for people with disabilities. Learn more about its impact - then, now, and next.
"Doors" Commercial on Employment for People with Disabilities Video

"Doors" Commercial on Employment for People with Disabilities

Employment is a large part of a person's identity. It is how many people become independent, build job skills, learn from others and feel valued. Having a job is no different for people with I/DD.

People with I/DD have a lot to offer businesses. They're dependable, committed to their job, and they're hard workers. Customers also prefer to do business with companies that hire workers with disabilities. Watch the "Doors" commercial to learn more about their contribution to the workplace

NDEAM Resource Center

Competitive Integrated Employment

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) defines competitive integrated employment (CIE) as work that is performed on a full-time or part-time basis for which an individual is:

  • Compensated at or above minimum wage and comparable to the customary rate paid by the employer to employees without disabilities performing similar duties and with similar training and experience;
  • Receiving the same level of benefits provided to other employees without disabilities in similar positions;
  • At a location where the employee interacts with other individuals without disabilities; and
  • Presented opportunities for advancement similar to other employees without disabilities in similar positions.

MiDDC has been working to improve CIE outcomes for individuals through our Employment First initiative and continuous improvement to policies and practices in Michigan. Two Employment First Reports have been released which examine the employment status of Michigan adults with disabilities and the changes needed to increase CIE opportunities in our state. Visit our Publications page to view the Employment First Reports.

Learn more about Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE) from the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy

MiDDC's Employment Resources

Michigan has a large, untapped pool of workers who are loyal, hardworking, and highly motivated. They are people with I/DD who have the right to realize their full employment potential through competitive integrated employment at or above minimum wage.

Society benefits when all members can participate and work toward achieving their goals. Inclusive employment for people with I/DD enriches local communities through a diverse workforce that promotes economic growth and fosters innovation.

This webpage includes resources for job providers, individuals, and families. You will also find information related to MiDDC's Employment First Initiative.
View MiDDC's Employment Resources Website

Participate in NDEAM

Employers, employees with disabilities, and their families can use the information on this website to help spread the word about the importance of National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

View suggestions to participate in NDEAM and help spread the word!