This October, SSW’s ODEI is recognizing the 77th anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month by launching a Disability Employment Awareness Campaign. During this month, we celebrate the history of the Disability Rights and Disability Justice movements in advancing human and civil rights in the United States. The purpose of National Disability Employment Awareness Month is to raise awareness about issues faced by people with disabilities in employment and celebrate the contributions of workers with disabilities. In alignment with the J.E.D.I. is Social Work guiding principles of liberation, community, healing, belonging, affirming humanity, and equity ODEI believes that people with disabilities should have full inclusion in the workplace and all facets of society. This semester, SSW took a significant step towards inclusion for our community members with disabilities by completing an evaluation administered through the Association on Higher Education and Disability. These efforts, led by the Office of Student Affairs and others, will help ensure accessibility and inclusion for SSW students and others with disabilities.
ODEI’s National Disability Employment Month Campaign aims to raise awareness about disability issues in employment places broadly and at the School of Social Work, and share information about what resources there are for people with disabilities in the workplace. During the month of October keep a lookout for the distribution of our “Activism Over Ableism” stickers and “Know Your Rights, Resources & History” zine in the lobby and lounges throughout the SSW building. We encourage you to take as many as you would like. The design of the “Activism Over Ableism” sticker is inspired by the Disability Pride flag created by Ann Magill.
We encourage all members of the SSW community to demonstrate their commitment to the aims of the National Disability Employment Awareness Month by signing the J.E.D.I. is Social Work Pledge below:
You can also participate in SSW spaces that support the disability community.
Disability Justice & Advocacy (DJA) Affinity Group
Dates: 10/11, 11/1, 11/22, 12/13
Time: 12 PM – 1 PM
DREAM (Disability Justice Group) – SGA Supported Group
Email DREAM@ssw.umaryland.edu for more information