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Shaw celebrates workplace diversity

  • Published
  • 20th Contracting Squadron
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), which has celebrated the many and varied contributions made to the U.S. by workers with disabilities since its inception in 1945.

Though government policy concerning employment opportunities for Americans with disabilities can be traced back to the Smith-Fess Act of 1920, it was not until 1988 that Congress expanded National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week to a full month.

Throughout the month, Team Shaw personnel will have the opportunity to engage in a variety of activities designed to educate participants on disability employment issues, as well as the Department of Defense’s commitment to an inclusive work culture in observance of this year’s theme, #InclusionWorks.

The 20th Contracting Squadron is slated to kick off Shaw’s celebration of NDEAM by hosting the 17th Annual AbilityOne Employee Appreciation Day Picnic, a private event honoring the service of disabled veterans employed by the AbilityOne program as well as their impact on Shaw’s mission and the local community.

In addition to the appreciation day picnic, the 20th CONS is scheduled to host a free 5K walk/run Oct. 14 at 7 a.m. at the Shaw Fitness Center Annex. All Team Shaw members are invited to attend. There is also a National Disability Employment Awareness Lunch scheduled for Oct. 27 at the Carolina Skies Club and Conference Center featuring a special guest speaker from the Disability Special Needs Board.

Employers and employees in all industries can learn more about National Disability Employment Awareness Month and ways to promote its messages, both in October and throughout the rest of the year, by visiting www.dol.gov/ndeam and www.dol.gov/featured/ada.