Disability Employment Awareness

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NDEAM 2024 banner

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). Paving the way for people with disabilities to receive a high-quality education and be prepared to enter the workforce not only benefits people with disabilities directly, but also benefits their families, businesses, and communities. Although inclusive hiring practices that support the contributions of workers with disabilities can benefit the entire workforce, workers with disabilities experience higher rates of unemployment compared to the general population.

In 2024, AIR again was recognized as one of the “Best Places to Work for People with Disabilities” by the Disability:IN and the American Association of People with Disabilities, earning a perfect score of 100. 

AIR’s diverse portfolio of work on disability issues provides both expertise and resources to help people with disabilities pursue employment opportunities and gain economic security. The following are examples of AIR’s contributions to generating evidence in support of more equitable employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

Upcoming Event


Leading with Authentic Inclusion™: Leadership, Disability, and AI

Wednesday, October 30, 2024, 11 a.m. -12:30 p.m. ET (Online Event)

In honor of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), Access AIR, in partnership with Disability: IN DC Metro, will present "Leading with Authentic Inclusion™: Leadership, Disability, and AI" with Frances West, former IBM chief accessibility officer.

West, a pioneering technology executive, will share her inspiring journey from a first-generation immigrant to a trusted global advisor and leader. She will discuss how her unique experiences have shaped her understanding and creation of Authentic Inclusion™ and its crucial role in leadership and innovation. She will provide practical insights on how to operationalize Authentic Inclusion™, creating workplace environments where all employees, especially those with disabilities, can thrive.

The virtual event will feature a 20-minute presentation from Frances West, followed by a fireside chat with Access leadership, and end with an interactive Q&A session with the audience. We will also hear from Disability: IN DC Metro’s CEO, the Honorable Katherine McCary, about the benefits afforded to all AIR staff. 
 


 

Related Work


Remembering Judy Heumann

As part of AIR’s journey to becoming an inclusive workplace for all, we hosted a powerful conversation with disability rights advocate Judith “Judy” Heumann on Oct. 18, 2022. This conversation, which included a discussion of ways that organizations can develop a fully inclusive workplace for people with disabilities, spoke volumes about Heumann’s lasting contributions to the field.

Judy Heumann passed away on March 4, 2023.

Related Centers

Center on Knowledge Translation for Disability and Rehabilitation Research

Join us on Oct. 15, 16, and 18 for this year’s free, online knowledge translation conference.

The purpose of the Center on Knowledge Translation for Disability and Rehabilitation Research (KTDRR) is to make it easier to find, understand, and use the results of research that can make a positive impact on the lives of people with disabilities. In collaboration with several national and international partners, KTDRR carries out integrated training, dissemination, utilization, and technical assistance activities.

Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center

The Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center (MSKTC) summarizes research, identifies health information needs, and develops information resources to support programs in meeting the needs of individuals with spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and burn injuries.

Contact
Image of Kathleen Murphy
Managing Researcher
Cindy Cai
Principal Researcher

Meet the Expert: Kathleen Murphy

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Illustration of Kathleen Murphy, a White woman with shoulder-length blonde hair wearing a green scoop-necked dress

Principal Investigator Kathleen Murphy discusses the common misconceptions and barriers that individuals with disabilities face, and how new technologies are opening new doors—while closing others.

Read the Q&A