KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Keesler’s participation in National Disability Employment Awareness Month is an annual awareness campaign that takes place each October. The purpose of the month is to educate about disability employment issues and celebrate the many and varied contributions of America's workers with disabilities. This year's theme is "America’s Recovery: Powered by Inclusion". The Gulf Coast has many supporting agencies to include but not limited to: Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, Southern Mississippi University, Department of Labor, Mississippi Department of Employment Security and the AbilityWorks program.
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 "National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week." In 1962, the word "physically" was removed to acknowledge the employment needs and contributions of individuals with all types of disabilities. In 1988, Congress expanded the week to a month and changed the name to National Disability Employment Awareness Month.
“Our national recovery from the pandemic cannot be completed without the inclusion of all Americans, in particular people with disabilities,” said Marty Walsh, U.S. Secretary of Labor. “Their contributions have historically been vital to our nation’s success, and are more important today than ever. We must build an economy that fully includes the talent and drive of those with disabilities.”