ALCOAST 362/23 - SEP 2023 ADVANCING ACCESS AND EQUITY THROUGH EMPLOYMENT OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

R 291054Z SEP 23   MID120000488813U
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC
TO ALCOAST
BT
UNCLAS
ALCOAST 362/23
SSIC 5350
SUBJ: ADVANCING ACCESS AND EQUITY THROUGH EMPLOYMENT OF PEOPLE WITH
DISABILITIES
1. October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month
(NDEAM), a time to promote inclusive hiring practices, raise
awareness about barriers to employment, and highlight the
contributions of the more than 61 million Americans with
disabilities.
2. NDEAM dates to the return of service members with disabilities
from World War II, which sparked deep public interest in the full
inclusion of people with disabilities in the workplace. This year's
theme, "Advancing Access and Equity" is a reminder that 50 years
after the signing of the Rehabilitation Act on September 26, 1973,
more effort is needed to achieve fully inclusive work environments
in our Coast Guard and for the American public we serve.
3. People with disabilities are a diverse group that cross lines of
age, ethnicity, sex, race, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic
status, and may have sensory, physical, or mental conditions. They
participate proudly in our Coast Guard, making up 31% of our
civilian workforce. Disabilities may be developed throughout life,
or in the line of duty, and for Coast Guard service members this may
lead to a transition from their honorable uniformed service to the
Nation to valuable service and contributions as veterans with
disabilities in the civilian labor force.
4. Policies and programs, such as reasonable accommodations for
people who may require technology, equipment, or alternative
schedules to perform the essential functions of their jobs, enable
people with disabilities to serve. However, in keeping with this
year's theme, let us remain mindful that policies and programs alone
do not always lead to full inclusion. We all have a role in creating
a workplace that aligns with our core values and fully integrates
people with disabilities so they experience a strong sense of
belonging and perform to their full potential. I urge all members of
our workforce to plan or participate in special observances to raise
our collective awareness and honor the significant contributions of
Americans with disabilities. You can learn more by visiting the
following pages:
(Copy and Paste URL Below into Browser)

https://www.dol.gov/agencies/odep/

(Copy and Paste URL Below into Browser)

https://www.defenseculture.mil/Special-Observances/#national-
disability-employment-awareness-month

5. POC: COMDT (CG-00H), Mr. Edward Stoker, (202) 372-4519,
Edward.A.Stoker@uscg.mil.
6. ADM Linda L. Fagan, Commandant, United States Coast Guard
(CCG), sends
7. Internet release is authorized.