Drawing upon the skills and talents of all Americans is essential to bringing back jobs and growth. This includes, of course, America’s more than 38 million people with disabilities. Despite having so much to offer our country’s workplaces, a significant portion of this potential labor source remains untapped. People with disabilities often bring fresh perspectives and skills that drive innovation because they encounter challenges that require creative solutions on a daily basis.
Observed in October, National Disability Employment Awareness Month is a time to celebrate the many contributions of Americans with disabilities, both past and present, and to reaffirm our commitment to including their skills and talents in our workplaces and future economic success. Reflecting the value that people with disabilities bring to the table, the theme for this year is “Inclusion Drives
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When it comes to our citizens with disabilities, this includes not only those born with disabilities, but also those who become ill or injured during their working years. To promote continued labor force participation of this population, I have directed the U.S. Department of Labor, Social Security Administration and other federal agencies to work together to identify effective strategies for helping people stay at work or return to work after injury or illness. My administration’s number one priority is a strong and robust American workforce, and that means keeping people on the job. When someone leaves the labor force because they become sick or have an accident, it is detrimental—for them, for their families, for their employers and for the economy. We know the solution is early action, which will be the focus of our work on this issue. Everyone has a role to play in facilitating return to work, from individuals with disabilities themselves to employers to health care