Subject
title
Proclamation Declaring October 2026, as National Disability Employment Awareness Month
end
Department
City Clerk/Director of Council Operations Office
Recommendation
Staff recommend the Mayor and Council read and approve the proclamation and present to Jody Tick, Sunflower Bakery CEO, Katrina Emmerson Kugel, Government Relations Manager, Seeking Employment, Equality and Community for People with Developmental Disabilities (SEEC), Trinh Le, Brand Ambassador, and Jorge and Michelle Gutierrez, owners of SERVPRO Team Gutierrez.
Discussion
October is Disability Employment Awareness Month, and this year marks its 81st anniversary, with the theme “Celebrating Value and Talent.”
During National Disability Employment Awareness Month, or NDEAM, we celebrate the value and talent workers with disabilities add to America’s workplaces and economy. NDEAM takes place annually each October, but its purpose is to confirm our commitment to ensuring disabled workers have access to good jobs every month of every year.
National Disability Employment Awareness Month was declared in 1988 by the United States Congress for October to raise awareness of the employment needs and contributions of individuals with all types of disabilities. This month's observance is an extension of “National Employ the Physically
Handicapped Week” was originally observed during the first week of October beginning in 1945. In 1962, the word “physically” was removed from the week to acknowledge the employment needs and contributions of individuals with all types of disabilities. Americans observe National Disability Employment Awareness Month by paying tribute to the accomplishments of people with disabilities whose work helps keep the nation's economy strong and by reaffirming their commitment to ensuring equal opportunity for all.
History
The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 prohibits any public institution that receives federal funds from discriminating based on disability. Only two years later, in 1975, the Education for All Handicapped Children Act was passed, requiring public schools that accept federal funding to provide equal education and access to education for disabled children. Years later, in 1990, President Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), guaranteeing access to and prohibiting discrimination against individuals with physical or mental disabilities.] In 2000, President Clinton signed an Executive Order, requesting that the federal government hire 100,000 people with disabilities over the next five years. The final major event that happened is when Congress created the Office of Disability Employment Policy within the Department of Labor.
Under the United States Department of Labor is the Office of Disability Employment Policy. This office has created the Disability Employment Initiative (DEI), which aims to improve education, training, and employment opportunities and outcomes for youth and adults with disabilities who are unemployed, underemployed, and/or receiving Social Security disability benefits. Through the DEI, there are 70 Disability Resource Coordinators. Along with State Project Leads, they serve to strengthen the capacity of American Job Centers in hopes of increasing employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
Source - Wikipedia
The U.S. Department of Labor has designated the 2026 National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) theme as “Celebrating Value and Talent,” recognizing the many contributions people with disabilities bring to workplaces and communities across the nation. This year marks the 81st anniversary of the observance, which originated in 1945 when Congress established the first week of October as National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week. The commemoration expanded to a month in 1988, becoming the modern NDEAM recognized today
A Success Story
How Charlie went from SEEC to SERVPRO Team Gutierrez.
Charlie, a client of SEEC (SEEC - Seeking Employment, Equality and Community for People with Developmental Disabilities), demonstrates the positive impact of these values within the Rockville community. Charlie joined SERVPRO Team Gutierrez two years ago as part of their office cleaning operations. He was first introduced to the company during a Rockville Chamber of Commerce Lunch & Learn event, where his independence, professionalism, and motivation to advance his career were immediately apparent. At the time, Charlie expressed dissatisfaction with his previous employment.
His story was shared with the SERVPRO ownership team, who recognized his potential and offered him a role aligned with his passion for cleaning and maintaining organized workspace environments.
During his two years with SERVPRO Team Gutierrez, Charlie has consistently shown reliability, enthusiasm, and strong commitment to his work. His contributions have improved the day-to-day functioning of the office and strengthened workplace morale. In August, the team celebrated Charlie’s second employment anniversary, marking an important milestone in his continued professional development.
Charlie's experience exemplifies the spirit of “Celebrating Value and Talent” by highlighting how inclusive hiring practices create meaningful opportunities for individuals with disabilities while enriching workplaces across the City of Rockville. His story supports the City’s recognition of
October 2026 as National Disability Employment Awareness Month and underscores the ongoing importance of fostering equitable and inclusive employment pathways for all residents.
Mayor and Council History
The Mayor and Council proclaim this proclamation annually.