Press Release  MRC Joins in Observing National Disability Employment Awareness Month

Boston, MA — The Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) today announced its participation in National Disability Employment Awareness Month, an annual awareness campaign that takes place each October. The purpose of National Disability Employment Awareness Month is to provide education around employment and celebrate the many and varied contributions of America's workers with disabilities. This year's theme is "Disability: Part of the Equity Equation."

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.

“We know our workforce is better and more productive when it's inclusive, and that means hiring individuals with disabilities,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Marylou Sudders. “The administration’s commitment to an inclusive workforce has not wavered throughout the pandemic. We are grateful to Commissioner Wolf and the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission for connecting individuals with disabilities to top-tier employers.”

Reflecting this year's theme, throughout the month, MRC will be leading a variety of activities to engage Commonwealth employers, residents, individuals with disabilities, and their families on employment topics and the state’s commitment to an inclusive work culture. These efforts include:

• An Individual and Family Forum 
• An Empowering to Employ Event in collaboration with the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) 
• A  Mentorship Program in collaboration with the City of Boston’s Mayor’s Commission for Persons with Disabilities
• Testimonials from Commonwealth employers who hire individuals with disabilities
• Feature stories on MRC staff
• A feature story on MRC’s Vocational Rehabilitation program
• Active social media campaign

"MRC is proud to be a part of this year's National Disability Employment Awareness Month," said Commissioner Toni Wolf. " We’re excited to share our stories as we collectively shift the paradigm for people with disabilities and truly become an inclusive workforce and community.” 

To learn more about MRC and the services the agency offers, please visit www.mass.gov/mrc.  

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