In October, the United States celebrates National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) to promote the contributions and innovations of people with disabilities to our nation’s workforce. The 2022 NDEAM theme is “Disability: Part of the Equity Equation,” which recognizes the key role that people with disabilities play in workforce diversity and inclusion in both the public and private sectors. Disability is a key component of the State Department’s work to advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) within our workforce and within our foreign policy.
An inclusive workforce is essential to broad-based economic growth worldwide. An accessible workplace with strong disability policies enables people with disabilities to fully contribute to an organization’s mission. Although we have made progress over the years, our work is far from over. In many countries, work has not yet begun or has only just begun. Around the world, many people still face barriers to inclusion and equitable access. Employment discrimination based on disability is still widespread, resulting in higher rates of unemployment, underemployment and poverty.
As we advance these rights around the world through foreign policy, we must continue to advance equity in the Department as well. We are committed to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of our nation, including people with disabilities. Starting this month, we are encouraging all Department employees at all levels to learn about and participate in iCount, an agency-wide campaign aimed at promoting disability-inclusive management practices and alliances.
Advancing disability inclusion is everyone’s job, not just the job of disabled workers. Our national security and our shared prosperity depend on it.
