DisAbility Awareness Library Guide

Welcome!

This resource guide is designed and created to provide insights and information about disabilities and celebrate the contributions and insights of differently-abled people during Disability Awareness Month. This guide is a work in progress and we will be happy to get your valuable feedback for this guide.

   National Disability Employment Awareness Month 2021

America’s Recovery: Powered by Inclusion

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 ensuring 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.

National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) is observed "to commemorate the many and varied contributions of people with disabilities to America’s workplaces and economy," according to the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Disability Employment Policy. The theme for 2021's commemoration is "America’s Recovery: Powered by Inclusion."

Get educated!

• Review the American Disability Act of 1990
• Learn general disability awareness/etiquette
• Take a training course on disability-focused workplace training programs
• Read about EARN: Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion

Spread the word!

• Support Disability Awareness Month at work, at school, and through social media
• Publish articles that bring about awareness of inclusion 
• Stay updated through the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission's news page

Be an advocate!

• Commit to making your community accessible to people with different disabilities
• Support artists with disabilities
• Participate in protests and demonstrations on disability issues
• Join and/or donate to disability organizations you like
• Talk about disability issues with friends, family, classmates, and coworkers

*Reference: This was culled from Ivy Tech Community College Library Disability Awareness Guide*

A world of Assistance is Just Waiting for you...For Free!

San Diego Mesa College Library currently has:

• Over 100 electronic databases
• Over 85,000 print books
• Over 90,000 electronic books

​Students receive research support through:

• 24/7 chat reference
• Research appointments
• Library instruction class sessions

Resources are accessed through the library’s website at www.sdmesa.edu/library