National Disability Employment Awareness Month

Submitted by the YPG Equal Employment Opportunity Office

National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) and is a time to recognize the contributions of workers with disabilities, educate ourselves, and confront stereotypes. NDEAM discussions

began in 1945 under President Truman and were triggered by

World War II veterans returning home with disabilities. A disability is any condition that makes it more difficult for a person to do certain activities or effectively interact with the world around them. A disability can be cognitive, developmental, intellectual, mental, physical, sensory, or a combination.

Today, the Department of Defense (DOD) is committed to providing every person with an opportunity for a meaningful career. The DoD uses a special authority to hire eligible individuals with disabilities noncompetitively for Federal positions. In addition, Federal agencies may provide reasonable accommodations to qualified employees with disabilities to allow successful performance of job duties. The DoD also partners with the Workforce Recruitment Program to connect with students and recent graduates with disabilities.

Have questions about workplace accommodations? Contact the local Yuma Proving Ground Equal Employment Opportunity Office at usarmy.ypg.atec.list.eeo@army. mil. Carolyn Lauzon, Disability Manager, can be reached at (928)328-2736 or (928)503-7967. For general information concerning accommodations and employment opportunities, check out the Job Accommodation Network at https:// askjan.org/.