Jackson, TN — MHDS is pleased to announce its participation in National Disability Employment Awareness Month, an annual awareness campaign that takes place each October.

The purpose of National Disability Employment Awareness Month is to educate about disability employment issues and celebrate the many and varied contributions of America’s workers with disabilities. This year’s theme is “Disability: Part of the Equity Equation.”

The history of National Disability Employment Awareness Month traces back to 1945 when Congress enacted a law declaring the first week in October each year “National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week.”

In 1962, the word “physically” was removed to acknowledge the employment needs and contributions of individuals with all types of disabilities. In 1988, Congress expanded the week to a month and changed the name to National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

“Our national recovery from the pandemic cannot be completed without the inclusion of all Americans, in particular people with disabilities,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh. “Their contributions have historically been vital to our nation’s success, and are more important today than ever. We must build an economy that fully includes the talent and drive of those with disabilities.”

Reflecting this year’s theme, throughout the month, MHDS will be engaging in a variety of activities to educate its Persons Supported and Staff on disability employment issues and its commitment to an inclusive work culture. These efforts include interagency and public education opportunities. “Our experience has been overwhelmingly positive as persons we support have taken jobs in the public sector,” stated Bill Brewer, CEO of MHDS. “We consistently hear what an asset those we secure employment for are at their place of work.”

Brooks Shaw of Old Country Store is hosting a luncheon on Thursday, October 27 at 11:30 a.m., in his restaurant to engage community leaders, service providers and current as well as potential employers in a conversation about employing perdisabilities.

As an employer of persons with differences, Shaw and others will share their perspective on the benefits of an inclusive team at their work environment.

MHDS has numerous persons in multiple counties employed in manufacturing, the service industry, retail and food service positions. We would be pleased to discuss placement of our persons supported with any company interested.

“MHDS is proud to be a part of this year’s National Disability Employment Awareness Month,” said Kelly Sorrell, Director of Supported Employment Services. “We want to spread the important message that we value all perspectives, including those of individuals with disabilities.”

(PHOTO: Proclamation – Nora Buckley, COO; Bill Brewer, CEO; Kelly Sorrell, Director of Supported Employment, and A J Massey, Madison County Mayor)