The Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development (MDHEWD) is stepping up to the plate this October, in recognition of the 80th anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Keeping strides with state and national agencies, this observation is not just about patting backs, but about pushing forward real change within the job market for those with disabilities. The theme for this year's milestone, “Celebrating Value and Talent,” isn't just smoke. It revolves around the brass tacks of equal employment opportunities and ramping up the workforce presence of individuals with disabilities.
Stepping into the limelight, Dr. Bennett Boggs, Commissioner of the MDHEWD, made it clear that this is not just talk. “We are proud to recognize National Disability Employment Awareness Month and highlight our commitment to ensuring every Missourian, including those with disabilities, are offered the opportunity to achieve the skills and education needed for success,” Boggs said, according to an statement obtained by MDHEWD. Missouri is batting for a more accessible workforce, aiming to knock down employment barriers and beef up, the state’s economy in the process.
Missouri Job Centers are no strangers to this game; they've been working with thousands of individuals with disabilities each year, making sure everyone gets a fair shake at employment services, training and education. This ensures access to the necessary tools to snag new skills and dive into career opportunities. Taking it up a notch, Missouri is also taking the lead in laying down the groundwork for apprenticeships for individuals with disabilities, eyeing to pave high-quality career pathways.
This year, MDHEWD is pairing up with the National Disability Institute, shooting for a target that's nothing to scoff at—helping 2,500 youth with disabilities steer towards STEM career pathways through apprenticeship opportunities. Julie Carter, Director of the Office of Workforce Development, emphasized this point, saying STEM “offer Missouri's youth with disabilities strong possibilities of entering a high-demand field with high earning potential after completing a registered apprenticeship." In a statement obtained by MDHEWD, Carter acknowledged the partnership's role in setting the stage for a more inclusive employment landscape in STEM fields.
What began in 1945 as a week recognizing people with physical disabilities has grown into a month-long celebration that includes individuals with all types of disabilities. Each October, the focus is on raising awareness and highlighting workplace policies that support all employees. The observance promotes inclusivity and recognizes the value of a diverse workforce.
