HRD Celebrates National Disability Employment Awareness Month

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), and VillanovaHRD is pleased to celebrate employment opportunities for those of all abilities! The US Department of Labor has declared the theme of this year's NDEAM as "Access to Good Jobs for All." The Villanova community places a major emphasis on inclusion and even hosts the largest student-run Special Olympics in the world! Let's explore the major disability awareness milestones that led the way for disability diversity and access to good jobs for all workers.

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973

This act was one of the first laws prohibiting disability discrimination in organizations that receive federally funded financial assistance.

President George H.W. Bush signing the Americans with Disabilities Act into law (The White House Historical Association)

Americans with Disabilities Act (1990)

This legislation is the most widely known disability employment milestone. Signed into law by President George H.W. Bush, The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ensured the protection of disabled workers by prohibiting discrimination against workers with disabilities and prohibits retaliation against workers who invoke their rights under the ADA.

The Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments (2008) expanded the definition of disability under the original ADA, protecting those who have disabilities that substantially limit major life functions.

Olmstead v L.C. (1999)

This Supreme Court decision prohibited the unjust segregation of people with disabilities. This decision determined that community-based services and employment opportunities must be accessible for those with disabilities. This was important because it determined that persons with disabilities are entitled to integrated, federally funded services, outside of institutional care. Additionally, if they are denied these opportunities without reason, it would be a violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Rosa's Law (2010)

President Barack Obama signed Rosa's Law into legislation in 2010. This law replaced outdated terminology that existed in official government records with more appropriate and inclusive language. This change ensured that the law not only conveys protections for the rights of disabled workers but respect as well.

Villanova University Special Olympics

While this is not a landmark legislation, Special Olympics (SpO) is one of the most anticipated events at Villanova. Students plan for months to celebrate disabled athletes and their achievements. This year, SpO is happening this weekend November 1-3, 2024! Consider checking out this organization to hear more about the spirit of inclusion espoused by the Villanova community.

Villanova University strives not only to accommodate students and workers with disabilities but include them in the everyday culture that reflects one of the core tenets of our motto: Unitas. Villanovans are renowned for our compassion and friendly presence in our community. VillanovaHRD embraces these values and we encourage you to learn more about the history and importance of disability equality and employment.

Here are some resources and learning materials for disabled workers and disability employment awareness:

• https://www.dol.gov/agencies/odep/initiatives/ndeam

• https://www.dol.gov/general/topic/disability

• https://workwithoutlimits.org/resources/

• https://www.shrm.org/topics-tools/tools/toolkits/accommodating-employees-disabilities

• https://askearn.org/

• Villanova University Special Olympics: https://www.novaspo.org/

Sources:

The Villanovan

U.S. Department of Labor

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

DisabilityScoop.com