Gov. Eloy S. Inos declared October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month last Friday to reinforce the value and talent that people with disabilities add to workplaces and communities.<\/p>\n
NDEAM\u2019s purpose of is to educate the community about disability employment issues and celebrate the many and varied contributions of CNMI workers with disabilities.<\/p>\n
NDEAM\u2019s roots go back to 1945, when Congress enacted a law declaring the first week in October each year as \u201cNational Employ the Physically Handicapped Week.\u201d In 1962, \u201cphysically\u201d 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, or NDEAM.<\/p>\n
\u201cUpon its establishment in 2001, the Office of Disability Employment Policy assumed responsibility for NDEAM and has worked to expand its reach and scope ever since,\u201d said Rep. Antonio Agulto (Ind-Saipan).<\/p>\n
Pearlyann Cango, who works for Mariana Resort and Spa, read the proclamation explaining about NDEAM.<\/p>\n
\u201cPlaces of employment that promote equal opportunities for persons, regardless of disabilities or for other reasons, are a critical part of our efforts to build an inclusive community and strong economy,\u201d Cango said.<\/p>\n
Inos echoed Cango and other disability advocates on the promotion of persons with disability in the workplace.<\/p>\n
\u201cI call upon employers, schools, and other community organizations in the CNMI to observe this month with appropriate programs and activities, and to advocate its important message that people with disabilities are equal to the task,\u201d Inos said.<\/p>\n
Pamela Sablan of the Council on Developmental Disabilities, who also chairs the State Rehabilitation Council of the CNMI, urged everyone to remember NDEAM\u2019s three most powerful words: expect, employ, and empower.<\/p>\n
\u201cYouth with disabilities must grow up expecting to work and succeed and this message can\u2019t start early enough. Employers must foster flexible work environments and open to employing the talents of all qualified individuals with disabilities. When high expectations meet inclusive workplaces, we reach the final step,\u201d Sablan said.<\/p>\n
She noted that Ayuda Network will be joining with CDD to observe NDEAM.<\/p>\n
\u201cTogether with Ayuda Network, we join the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation in promoting meaningful employment for people with disabilities on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota,\u201d Sablan said<\/p>\n
\u201cAyuda Network will support its partners in their shared goal of increasing independence and self-sufficiency of people with disabilities,\u201d Ayuda Network executive director Diana Camacho said.<\/p>\n
NDEAM activities include outreach on all three islands from Oct 14 to Oct 24. To participate in NDEAM activities, contact committee chair Thomas Thornburgh at 235- 7273 or OVR\u2019s Josephine Tudela at 322-6537 or 322-6538.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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