JEFFERSON CITY – Missourians are invited to raise awareness about disability employment issues and celebrate the contributions of workers with disabilities during National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) this October.
Employees with disabilities are encouraged to participate in “Take Your Legislator to Work Day” by inviting their legislator(s) to their workplace to show the power of community-integrated employment (CIE) during the month of October.
Working individuals with developmental disabilities interested in participating, can take the following steps:
- Contact their legislator’s office to setup a tour,
- Provide a 30 minute tour of the workplace,
- Highlight duties the employee performs,
- Allow the legislator to see the workplace,
- Introduce the legislator to the employee’s co-workers and employer, and
- Have the employee discuss his/her experience working in a job in the community.
Create awareness of the power of community-integrated employment by sharing on social media:
- The legislator and employee should take a photo together,
- Share the photo on social media,
- Use hashtag #MONDEAM for National Disability Employment Awareness Month.
Those interested in learning more are encouraged to attend an online webinar titled, “How to effectively use the Take Your Legislator Work event,” at 3 p.m. CT, Monday, Sept 26, 2022. The webinar is a free event and no registration is required.
Viewing is limited to the first 500 people to join on the day of the event by clicking here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83692135328
The Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council (MODDC) believes that everyone should have access to competitive, community based employment (CIE). CIE is defined as jobs that occur in the community for at least minimum wage, at typical community businesses where employees with and without disabilities work in close proximity to each other, and have the same benefits, responsibilities and expectations. The MODDC believes that all people who want to work can work with the right supports. That all people have a responsibility to share their abilities, strengths and talents with others in the community, to make their community a better place.
The MODDC is a federally-funded, 23-member, consumer-driven council appointed by the Governor. Its mandate under P.L. 106-402, the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act, is to assure that individuals with developmental disabilities and their families participate in the design of and have access to needed community services, individualized supports, and other forms of assistance that promote self-determination, independence, productivity and integration in all aspects of community life.
To learn more or to get involved, visit www.moddcouncil.org.