NEPA Inclusive observing National Disability Employment Awareness Month

Oct. 12—PITTSTON — NEPA Inclusive Monday announced its participation in National Disability Employment Awareness Month, an annual awareness campaign that takes place each October 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."

"NEPA Inclusive envisions a society where people with disabilities are fully engaged in their communities," said CEO Frank Bartoli. "Finding viable, sustainable employment is a key factor to living fully inclusive lives."

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.

NEPA Inclusive offers a variety of employment support services for both adults and students, including Job Finding, Coaching and Shadowing, Supported Employment, and Work Based Learning Experience. Reflecting this year's theme, NEPA Inclusive will be highlighting people it supports who have found viable employment, and the companies who've hired them.

Bartoli said NEPA Inclusive is committed to addressing disability employment issues and engaging local companies and organizations in an inclusive work culture, for both the participants in the Employment Programs and the communities that benefit from their work.

As U.S. Labor Secretary Marty Walsh said, "Our national recovery from the pandemic cannot be completed without the inclusion of all Americans, in particular people with disabilities because they are vital to our nation's success."

Employers and employees in all industries can learn more about how to participate in National Disability Employment Awareness Month and ways they can promote its messages during October and throughout the year by visiting www.dol.gov/NDEAM.

For more information on programs and services provided by NEPA Inclusive, contact Employment Director Maria Mondlak at [email protected]

NEPA Inclusive is a local 501c3 non-profit organization serving 13 counties in Eastern, PA.

About NEPA Inclusive

—NEPA Inclusive is a provider of Intellectual Disability Waiver Services through the Office of Developmental Programs and a Vendor through the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation.

—Services include In-Home and Community Supports, Supported Living, Job Placement and Coaching, Supported Employment, Independent Living Skills, and Workplace Readiness Skills.

—Serving 13 counties including Luzerne, Lackawanna, Wyoming, Carbon, Monroe, Pike, Columbia, Montour, Berks and Bucks Counties.

Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.

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