Happy October everyone! It’s crisp, it’s festive, and it’s National Disability Employment Awareness Month! 
 
#NDEAM is a celebration of employees with disabilities and the tremendous contributions they make at their jobs. It is also a time to celebrate the businesses that have embraced inclusive hiring practices and spread the word about the benefits of working with organizations like CIS to hire, train, and retain quality workers with disabilities.  

NDEAM began in 1945 when Congress passed Public Law 176. What started off as “National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week” has progressed into a whole month of celebration. It’s also a time to reflect on how we can do even better in building diverse and equitable workspaces where everyone feels seen and supported. We’re excited to see that emphasized in the 2023 theme, which forefronts the importance of advancing access and equity for people with disabilities. 
 
All month long we’ll be sharing stories relevant to this year’s theme. Stay tuned to our social media pages as we spotlight CIS participants and the positive impact they’re making in jobs around the region, celebrate standout local employers, and shine a light on why access and inclusion for people with disabilities are vital to equitable workplaces. 
 
Happy NDEAM, everyone—we look forward to spending it with you! 

[image shows an NDEAM-branded graphic. A series of colored arrows point forward, interspersed with photos of CIS participants working at their jobs and the CIS logo above text that says “Building an Inclusive Workforce Since 1991”]