#InclusionWorks

If it’s October, it must be National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)! The month of October is dedicated to bringing attention to the overall importance of persons with disabilities within the workplace.

It is a time to celebrate “the person” who brings valuable skills and resources to the company table every day. The 2016 theme, “#InclusionWorks,” was created by the Office of Disability and Employment Policy (ODEP) with input from other partner organizations as well as persons with disabilities.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, “NDEAM’s history dates back to 1945, when Congress declared the first week in October each year as “National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week.” In 1962, the word “physically” was dropped to acknowledge individuals with all types of disabilities. In 1988, the federal legislature expanded the week to a month and changed the name to NDEAM. When the department established ODEP in 2001, the agency assumed responsibility for NDEAM.”

If you would like to get involved or participate, check out this (partial) list of resources and events. Remember, #inclusionWorks only if and when we are all willing to spread its message!

Friday, September 30

Disability Awareness Month Kickoff Event (Free Event)
10:00am – 1:00pm
Multi-Services center, 1475 W. Gray, Houston, Texas 77019
Disability Awareness Month, celebrated in October, commemorates the achievements of people with disabilities and raises public awareness of the value of diversity and inclusiveness. This year’s theme is “Awareness and Advocacy.” Event Highlights: Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony celebrating the re-opening of the Metropolitan Multi-Service Center, City Proclamation, speakers, exhibits, live entertainment, activities, refreshments & door prizes. Sponsors: City of Houston Department of Neighborhoods, Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities and community partners. For more info, email angel.ponce@houstontx.gov.

Friday, October 14

White Cane Safety Day (Free Event)
9:30am – 2:00pm
City Hall by Reflection Pool, 901 Bagby, Houston, Texas 77002
White Cane Safety Day promotes public awareness of the safety concerns of people who are blind or vision-impaired and celebrates their achievements and contributions to the community. Sponsors: Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities and community partners.

Sunday, October 16

Families Coping with Adult Mental Illness (Free Service)
4:00pm – 5:30pm
St. Peter’s United Methodist Church, 20775 Kingsland Blvd, Katy, TX 77450
Available the first and third Sunday of each month. Contact Pat or Leon at 713.467.3764

Thursday, October 27

The 2016 Lex Frieden Employment Awards Luncheon Ceremony (Ticket Purchase)
11:00am until…
Crowne Plaza Houston, 8686 Kirby Drive, Houston, TX 77054
The awards program is hosted by the Houston Mayor’s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities and the Greater Houston Business Leadership Network. For more information and to purchase tickets or sponsorships, visit the LFEA ceremony Registration site or send a message to the office of Governor Greg Abbott.

Frieda Carmouche is a member of the Regional Navigator team specializing in training, educating and assisting employers, and career center staff throughout the Gulf Coast with community resources, outreach events and technical support in assisting job seekers with disabilities. She obtained her BFA in Graphic Communications and minored in Psychology from The University of Houston. Frieda, a native Houstonian with a love of training and development, has been employed by Workforce Solutions for over 10 years.