City honors disabled workers

Perryville Mayor Ken Baer signed a proclamation Thursday in recognition of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, an annual awareness campaign that takes place each October and presented it to the community during an awards ceremony held at the Downtown Plaza.
“It’s such a cool event,” Baer said. “It’s one of my favorite things, especially when you get to hear the stories from some of the disabled employees and from their employers. It’s a great thing they’re doing for these valuable members of our community.”
The purpose of National Disability Employment Awareness Month is “to educate businesses, communities and others about disability employment issues and celebrate the many and varied contributions made by America's workers with disabilities.”
This year's theme is "Increasing Access and Opportunity".
"The City of Perryville is proud to be a part of this year's National Disability Employment Awareness Month," Baer said. "We want to spread the important message that we value all perspectives, including those of individuals with disabilities."
In his proclamation, Baer stressed the importance of “welcoming the talents of all people, including people with disabilities,” and that “supporting employment for individuals within our community who want to work reinforces the value and talent people with disabilities add to our workplaces and communities.”

“I call upon employers, schools, and other community organizations in Perryville to observe this month with a renewed dedication to our community members, businesses, schools, and agencies that promote disability employment,” the proclamation reads. “I ask each business in the City of Perryville to commit to advancing the important message that people with disabilities are equal to the task of contributing to the economic wellbeing of the community in which we all live; through their words and actions.”
During Thursday’s ceremony, four area businesses were recognized by the Perry County Board for the Developmentally Disabled for their part in supporting inclusive employment — Perry County School District, Hoeckele’s Bakery & Deli, Southern Roots, and Texas Roadhouse.
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.
"Ensuring that America’s workplaces continue to include and accommodate people with disabilities will be an important part of our economic rebound,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia. “Looking ahead, the Department will remain focused on the policies that led to a strong economy and record-low unemployment rates for persons with disabilities prior to the pandemic. A vigorous economic rebound and job growth will, alongside the Americans with Disabilities Act, increase access and opportunity for Americans with disabilities."
Pam Deneke, a disability employment specialist with the Perry County Board for the Developmentally Disabled, said the board will continue “to raise awareness to educate our tenacious community on disability employment issues and its commitment to an inclusive work culture.”
For more information about National Disability Employment Awareness Month is available online at www.dol.gov/NDEAM or by visiting the Perry County Board for the Developmentally Disabled website at www.PCBDD.org..