Governor Gretchen Whitmer is a lifelong Michigander. She is a lawyer, an educator, former prosecutor, State Representative and Senator. She was the first woman to lead a Senate caucus. But the most important title she boasts is MOM. Inspired by her family, she’s devoted her life to building a stronger Michigan for everyone.
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October 01, 2021
WHEREAS, October 2020 marks the 76th anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month; and,
WHEREAS, the purpose of Disability Employment Awareness Month is to educate people across the nation about disability employment issues and celebrate the many and varied contributions of America's workers with disabilities; and,
WHEREAS, the history of National Disability Employment Awareness Month traces back to 1945 when Congress enacted a law declaring the first week in October each year as the National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week; and,
WHEREAS, in 1962, the word "physically" was removed to acknowledge the employment needs and contributions of individuals with all types of disabilities; and,
WHEREAS, in 1988, Congress expanded the week to a month and changed the name to National Disability Employment Awareness Month; and,
WHEREAS, National Disability Employment Awareness Month is a nationwide campaign celebrating the skills and talents workers with disabilities bring to our workplaces, and the official theme of 2021's National Disability Employment Awareness Month is "America's Recovery: Powered by Inclusion"; and,
WHEREAS, workplaces welcoming of the talents of all people, including people with disabilities, are a critical part of our efforts to build an inclusive community and strong economy; and,
WHEREAS, in this spirit, the State of Michigan acknowledges the efforts of agencies throughout the state whose mission is to create employment opportunities for people with disabilities and raise awareness of disability employment issues; and,
WHEREAS, activities during this month will reinforce the value and talent that people with disabilities add to our workplaces and communities, and they will affirm the State of Michigan's commitment to an inclusive community that increases access and opportunities to all, including individuals with disabilities;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim October 2021 as Disability Employment Awareness Month in Michigan to advance the important message that people with disabilities add value and talent to our workplaces and communities.