DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT AWARENESS MONTH
2024
BY THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
A PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, National Disability Employment Awareness Month marks the 78th anniversary of Congress enacting a law in 1945 declaring the first week in October each year as National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week; in 1988, Congress expanded the week to a month and changed the name to National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM); and
WHEREAS, the NDEAM theme for 2024 is Access to Good Jobs for All, expanding the number of employment opportunities for people with disabilities and the quality of those opportunities; and
WHEREAS, to increase opportunities for fair wages, career employment, and economic self-sufficiency for individuals with disabilities, Executive Order No. 92 declares North Carolina an Employment First state and directs the Office of State Human Resources to consult with the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) as it takes actions to transform state government into a model employer of people with disabilities; and
WHEREAS, NCDHHS Divisions of Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities and Services for the Blind provide counseling, transition services, job training, post-secondary education, job development and job placement, assistive technology, and other support services to help people with disabilities achieve their goals for employment and independence; and
WHEREAS, Employment First efforts continue to expand through active recruitment and hiring of individuals with disabilities, disability awareness and inclusion training for Human Resources personnel and hiring managers, increased accessibility of the hiring process, and increased state government internship opportunities for those with disabilities; and
WHEREAS, the North Carolina Legislature has expanded opportunities and supports for people with disabilities in the University of North Carolina System and the North Carolina Community College System that will support people with disabilities in preparing for the workforce, including through starting Inclusive Postsecondary Education Programs at NC State University, NC Central University, UNC Wilmington, as well as expanding Access to Achievement so it is at 15 community colleges; and
WHEREAS, the State of North Carolina recognizes NDEAM to raise awareness about disability employment issues and celebrate the contributions of people with disabilities. Activities during this month will highlight the value and talent people with disabilities add to our workplaces and communities and affirm North Carolina’s commitment to an inclusive community;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim October, 2024, as “DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT AWARENESS MONTH” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.
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Roy Cooper
Governor
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Great Seal of the State of North Carolina at the Capitol in Raleigh this first day of October in the year of our Lord two thousand and twenty-four and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-ninth.