October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)

Office of the Governor Texas sent this bulletin at 10/01/2012 11:56 AM CDT
  
    Office of the Governor Rick Perry
    Committee on People with Disabilities
  

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month

Held each October, National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) is a State and National campaign that raises awareness about disability employment issues and celebrates the many and varied contributions of America's workers with disabilities. This year's theme is "A Strong Workforce is an Inclusive Workforce: What Can YOU Do?"

NDEAM's roots go 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." Upon its establishment in 2001, the Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) assumed responsibility for NDEAM and has worked to expand its reach and scope ever since.

Although led by ODEP, NDEAM's true spirit lies in the many observances held at the grassroots level across the nation every year. Employers, schools and organizations of all sizes and in all communities are encouraged to participate in NDEAM, and ODEP offers several resources to help them do so. Activities range from simple, such as putting up a poster, to comprehensive, such as implementing a disability education program. Regardless, all play an important part in fostering a more inclusive America, one where every person is recognized for his or her abilities — every day of every month.

Texas celebrates NDEAM by highlighting the work of an artist with a disability and creating its own poster. The Governor also issues a proclamation for NDEAM.

Texas NDEAM 2012 Proclamation

Texas is an undisputed leader in business with a remarkable record of job creation and a thriving economy, providing opportunity for all to better themselves and their families.  People with disabilities are a vital part of our workforce, and companies that hire, retain and include people with disabilities continue to discover that a strong workforce is an inclusive workforce.  Business owners across our great state are continually learning new ways to identify and hire people best suited to positions and encouraging all employees to acknowledge each person’s strengths and talents. 

Each October, an awareness campaign is conducted dedicated to creating equal opportunities for people with disabilities. 

The Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities presents the annual Lex Frieden Employment Awards, named for the disability rights champion instrumental in the adoption of the Americans with Disabilities Act.  These awards recognize businesses, individuals and organizations dedicated to maintaining an inclusive workforce.  This year’s recipients are Stephen Booher, Arlington; Target Southwest Greatland, Austin; Image Microsystems, Austin; Big Lots, Denton; The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston; Stacy Zoern of Community Cars, Inc., Austin; and the Employment Alliance for People with Disabilities, Corpus Christi. 

At this time, I encourage all Texans to recognize the strengths that people with disabilities can bring to our workforce, our community and our state as a whole.

Therefore, I, Rick Perry, Governor of Texas, do hereby proclaim October 2012 to be Disability Employment Awareness Month

Texas NDEAM 2012 Poster

Each Fall since 1999, the Texas Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities produces a poster celebrating National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) in October. Artwork for the poster is selected by a submission and judging process and is open to any Texas artist with a disability.

The 2012 NDEAM theme, "A Strong Workforce Is an Inclusive Workforce: What Can YOU Do?", is in dark green and pink lettering along the top of the poster. At the bottom of the poster, the text says National Disability Employment Awareness Month, October 2012.

Below the title is the featured colored pencil drawing of five pink flamingos standing in shallow water near the edge of a pond, with trees and grass along the shore. The flamingos are in various positions, some looking up, some with their heads down near the water.

To the side of the artwork is a small photo of the artist, Beverly Fuqua, with her service dog Otis, a black Labrador. The Artist's Statement is above the photo:
Beverly Fuqua hopes to continue creating and teaching art until she can no longer hold a pencil, pastel or brush.

Ms. Fuqua has a rare genetic disorder, Osteogenesis Imperfecta, which led to her having to use a wheelchair by the late 1990s. Still, she looked upon this as a blessing from God - a development in her life that would allow her more opportunity to focus on her art. She made time to use her talent to teach fine art to children with disabilities, helping them to build self-esteem and confidence through their own artwork. She continues to teach summer workshops, to help raise funds for service animals, and to raise public awareness of mobility issues, accessible parking, and, with her partner Otis, make people aware of the role of service animals in providing independence, safety and confidence in their partners.

Ms. Fuqua has a particular passion for painting animals and sees deeply metaphorical messages in their poses. This image, which won the 2012 NDEAM Poster Art Competition, is titled In the Pink and features five pink flamingos wading in shallow water with a forest in the background. Flamingos, she says, tend to always flock together. "Apart, each can be vulnerable, but as a flock, each becomes safer and stronger. By working together, they are all safer."

The background of the poster is white with dark green and pink lettering. Total poster size is 18 inches by 24 inches.

Three poster credits are included: The Governor's Committee on People with Disabilities, Apple Specialty Advertising, and the Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services