[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 173 (Tuesday, October 23, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1443]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RAISING AWARENESS OF NATIONAL DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT AWARENESS MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 23, 2018

  Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize October as 
National Disability Employment Awareness Month.
  This month is an opportunity to raise awareness about disability 
employment issues, educate the public about the value of a workforce 
inclusive of their skills and talents, and celebrate the contributions 
of workers with disabilities.
  National Disability Employment Awareness Month dates to 1945, when 
Congress enacted a law declaring the first week in October each year 
``National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week.''
  In 1988, Congress expanded the week to a month and changed the name 
to ``National Disability Employment Awareness Month.''
  As of September 2018, 21.4 percent of the U.S. labor force 16 years 
old and above have a disability.
  My home state of Texas has the second largest number of individuals 
with disabilities in the United States.
  In 2014, Texas had almost 820,564 individuals (6.2 percent) of the 
total civilian labor force 16 and older in Texas (13,220,312 
individuals) had a disability.
  Although not every person living with disabilities can work, it is 
imperative that we create opportunities for those who are able and 
desire to work.
  For Kayla McKoen, her job is more than just a hobby.
  As the first registered lobbyist with down syndrome in history, Kayla 
McKoen shares her passion for advocacy by representing the differently 
abled community on Capitol Hill and lobbying for equal rights for those 
who are differently abled.
  Kayla says that ``It feels so important to advocate for others 
because they might not have that voice themselves, and the more we 
advocate our message, the louder we are. I hope I am helping to change 
things for future generations of the Differently Abled community.''
  Individuals with disabilities can strengthen the current and future 
economy and are a valuable resource for employers.
  The workforce system must ensure that employers have access to every 
potential skilled worker.
  Workplaces welcoming of the talents of all people, including those 
who are differently abled, are a critical part of our efforts to build 
an inclusive community and a strong economy.
  Smart employers know that including different perspectives in 
problem-solving situations leads to better solutions.
  Hiring employees with diverse abilities strengthens their business, 
increases competition and drives innovation.
  Individuals with disabilities enhance workforce diversity and offer 
employers the skills, knowledge, and experience that Texas businesses 
need to thrive.
  Private and public-sector workplaces that support integrated 
employment opportunities, as well as greater use of assistive 
technologies in the workplace, can provide individuals with 
disabilities the opportunity to gain and maintain employment.
  We must commit to providing support for those living with 
disabilities by further educating ourselves and our communities on 
disability employment to foster a more inclusive workforce.
  As we observe National Disability Employment Awareness Month, let us 
pay tribute to all who fought for better laws, demanded better 
treatment, and overcame ignorance and indifference to make our Nation 
more perfect.
  In their honor, and for the betterment of generations of Americans to 
come, let us continue the work of removing obstacles to employment so 
every American has the chance to develop their skills and make their 
unique mark on the world we share.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognition of 
National Disability Employment Awareness Month and ask all Americans to 
take time this month to find out what you can do to encourage the 
employment of those with disabilities and empower all of America's 
workforce.

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