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Lakeland Care, Inc. Joins Broad Effort to Observe National Disability Employment Awareness Month

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, and all Chamber of Commerce members are encouraged to participate.

October 2020 marks the 75th year of observance, with this year’s theme of “Increasing Access and Opportunity”, aligning with the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The purpose of National Disability Employment Awareness Month is to bring awareness and educate communities about disability employment issues. We celebrate the many contributions of America’s workers with disabilities and embrace the unique skills, abilities, and diversity offered to our workplaces.

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.

“Ensuring that America’s workplaces continue to include and accommodate people with disabilities will be an important part of our economic rebound,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia. “Looking ahead, the Department will remain focused on the policies that led to a strong economy and record-low unemployment rates for persons with disabilities prior to the pandemic. A vigorous economic rebound and job growth will, alongside the Americans with Disabilities Act, increase access and opportunity for Americans with disabilities.”

Reflecting this year’s theme, we encourage you to engage in a variety of activities to educate your employees and local community on disability employment issues and its commitment to an inclusive work culture.  For specific ideas about how your business can support National Disability Employment Awareness Month and year-round, visit www.dol.gov/NDEAM. Suggestions range from simple, such as putting up a poster, to comprehensive, such as implementing a disability education program.

“Lakeland Care, Inc. is proud to be a part of this year’s National Disability Employment Awareness Month,” said Jen Philipps and Brooke Basler, Employment Specialists with Lakeland Care.

“We want to spread the important message that not only do individuals with disabilities have the ability to work in the competitive labor force, but that they have valuable skills to contribute and there are many benefits to having an inclusive workplace.”

For more information about the value and benefits of an inclusive workforce, contact Jen or Brooke at [email protected] or via phone (Jen: 920-456-3207, Brooke: 920-479-6841).

For more information about Lakeland Care, visit: www.lakelandcareinc.com.  Anyone seeking information about available resources for seniors or adults with disabilities, or about eligibility for the Family Care program, should contact their local Aging and Disability Resource Center.

Lakeland Care provides Family Care services, a Medicaid Managed Care program providing long-term supports and services to thousands of eligible frail seniors and adults with disabilities in the Fox Valley, Northeastern and North Central Wisconsin, helping them live more independently.  Lakeland Care offers Family Care in the following counties: Brown, Calumet, Door, Florence, Fond du Lac, Forest, Kewaunee, Langlade, Lincoln, Manitowoc, Marathon, Marinette, Menominee, Oconto, Oneida, Outagamie, Portage, Shawano, Vilas, Waupaca, Winnebago, and Wood.