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SAULT STE. MARIE - As part of an observance first designated by the U.S. Congress, mental health professionals from Hiawatha Behavioral Health have joined professionals from across the country in observing October as National Disability Employment Month. In 1945, Congress designated a week in October to recognize the skills and contributions of people with disabilities to the workforce. In 1988, Congress expanded the observance to an entire month.
National Disability Employment Awareness Month has become an important annual tradition. Throughout the years, this observance has become a celebration of continued efforts to expand employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
Secretary of Labor, Elaine Chao announced that the theme for this year's awareness month is, "Workers with Disabilities: Ready for Tomorrow's Jobs Today." The theme is being used by the private sector; federal, state and local governments; and advocacy organizations around the country to plan events and programs that showcase the abilities and skills of job candidates who have disabilities. One such advocacy group, the EUP Disability Task Force, recently held its quarterly meeting at the HBH offices on Mackinac Trail.
The task force is made up of a group of individuals from different agencies that meet to focus on issues related to improving the accessibility for people with disabilities. Topics such as transportation, community resources, employment and health care are some of the issues that are discussed by the task force. The advocates are working to reduce and remove barriers and improve our community for people with disabilities.
"The mission of the task force is to support and advocate for our people with disabilities and their families," Kathy Goetz, residential and vocational supervisor at HBH, said on behalf of the task force team. "It accomplishes this by using respectful, sensitive, and proactive approaches to access a comprehensive array of culturally appropriate programs and services. This team is committed to working together by utilizing inherent strengths of individuals, families, and community resources to maintain quality and comprehensive services that will maximize independence."
The task force's next meeting is scheduled for the HBH offices on Jan 13, 2006, at 9 a.m. The task force will continue the push to bring more visibility to their efforts amid a national and statewide focus on the issue.
According to recent statistics, there are 1.8 million Michigan residents and 54 million people across the country with some type of disability. Many of these individuals are ready, willing and able to enter the workforce. The observances attempt to accomplish two goals, honoring the achievements of disabled workers and letting the rest of the world know that people with disabilities are largely an untapped resource.
In his proclamation proclaiming National Disability Employment Awareness Month, President George Bush said, "individuals with disabilities are making important contributions in the workplace." He also called upon all Americans to "reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that the opportunities of America are accessible to every citizen."
For more information on Vocational Services for the developmentally disabled and other mental health programs, contact any of the Hiawatha Behavioral Health offices in Chippewa, Mackinac or Schoolcraft Counties, toll free at 1-800-839-9443; TTY call collect to 906-632-5539; 24-hour emergency services available.
