October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month #NDEAM

In October, Americans observe National Disability Employment Awareness Month by paying tribute to the accomplishments of the men and women with disabilities whose work helps keep the nation’s economy strong and by reaffirming their commitment to ensure equal opportunity for all citizens.

This effort to educate the public about the issues related to disability and employment began in 1945, when Congress enacted Public Law 176, declaring the first week of October each year as 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. Some 25 years later, Congress expanded the week to a month and changed the name to National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

Library of Congress

Program Officer, U.S. Disability Rights | Ford Foundation

Rebecca Cokley is the program officer for the Ford Foundation’s first-ever U.S. Disability Rights program, which is focused on strengthening the field, building a pipeline of diverse leadership, promoting disability pride, and mobilizing resources toward disability rights work.

President & CEO | United Spinal Association

Vincenzo Piscopo began his tenure as United Spinal’s president and CEO in 2020. Vincenzo, a wheelchair-user who was paralyzed from a herniated disk in 2010, previously worked at The Coca-Cola Company for 25 years in a variety of strategic roles both in the US and internationally.

Advocate | Speaker | Author | Attorney

Haley Moss is a lawyer, author, consultant, and neurodiversity expert. Haley is a sought-after commentor on disability rights issues and has guided top corporations and organizations that seek to create an inclusive workplace. The first openly autistic lawyer in Florida, Haley’s books include “Great Minds Think Differently: Neurodiversity for Lawyers and Other Professionals” and “The Young Autistic Adult’s Independence Handbook.” Her articles have appeared in outlets including the Washington Post, Teen Vogue, and Fast Company.

Postdoctoral Scientist | Donald Danforth Plant Science Center

Dr. Fornah-Sankoh’s life has been a story of perseverance. Growing up Deaf during the civil war in Sierra Leone, Dr. Fornah-Sankoh had to overcome barriers to survival, education, and language acquisition. She carries these experiences with her, and instead of breaking her, they have helped her to thrive. Amie earned bachelor’s degrees in laboratory sciences and biochemistry from the Rochester Institute of Technology and a PhD from the University of Tennessee’s department of Biochemistry & Cellular and Molecular Biology. Her academic career includes winning a National Institute of Health supported Fellowship and a three-year Graduate Research Fellowship from the National Science Foundation.

Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)

Starkloff Disability Institute is recognized by SHRM to offer Professional Development Credits (PDCs) for SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP® recertification activities.