October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). The theme for NDEAM 2021, “America’s Recovery: Powered by Inclusion,” reflects the importance of ensuring that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) have full access to employment and community involvement during the national recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The pandemic has disproportionately affected people with IDD who have historically faced significant barriers to employment. More than one million people with disabilities lost employment during the first six months of the pandemic, as noted by the New Hampshire University Institute on Disability. Our nation’s recovery from the pandemic must include people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Their contributions play a key role in the success of our economic recovery and are more important than ever before.

You are invited to the 2021 Global Best Buddies NDEAM event

Join us on October 13th from 1-2 pm ET on Zoom as we welcome organizations from around the globe in celebrating the 76th anniversary of NDEAM.

We’ll be sharing valuable information on disclosing a disability at work, accommodations granted to individuals by the ADA, and the positive impact an inclusive workplace has on employee engagement.

Post discussion, please join the live session to collaboratively exchange ideas and initiatives that have proven successful in creating more inclusive workspaces.

REGISTER HERE

I challenge all industries to tap into this talented pool of qualified candidates and hire individuals within the IDD community, not only because it’s the right thing to do but because it’s also an excellent business investment.

Join our global movement today by supporting Best Buddies Jobs as we work to increase integrated employment access and opportunity for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

In friendship,

Anthony K. Shriver
Founder, Chairman & CEO
Best Buddies International