Disability Rights and Resources

Fairfax County, Virginia

CONTACT INFORMATION: Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

703-324-7948
TTY 711

Disability Rights and Resources, 12011 Government Center Parkway, Suite 708
Fairfax, VA 22035

Trina Mayhan-Webb,
Director

October is Disability Employment Awareness Month

 

2022 National Disability Employment Awareness Month

Fairfax County Department of Family Services is proud to participate in National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). Held each October, NDEAM aims to recognize the essential role people with disabilities play in our nation’s economic success through employment.

This year’s theme, "Disability: Part of the Equity Equation," recognizes the vital role people with disabilities play in making the nation's workforce diverse and inclusive. According to the U.S. Census Bureau for the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 19.1 percent of persons with a disability were employed in 2021; 9.6 percent were self-employed*.

Each October, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors proudly introduces a proclamation to celebrate Disability Employment Awareness Month. The proclamation by Chairman Jeff McKay recognizes the contributions of workers with disabilities and the county's commitment to help educate the public about disability employment issues. Fairfax County Government values the contributions of all people, including those of individuals with disabilities and celebrates in their accomplishments.

Fairfax County’s Disability Rights and Resources (DRR) unit hosts an annual Employment Mentoring Day event every October. We partner with Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) to educate high school students about employment opportunities and requirements and celebrate the many contributions of America's workers with disabilities.

Last year during our mentoring day event, VA Career Works Center presented on The Virtual Employment Experience and answered students’ questions about how to succeed in remote jobs. Moriah Kitaeff, one of our past John Hudson Interns, shared her internship experience and answered students questions. There was a fun break for students with the Fairfax County Employee Fitness Center leading a movement activity. Students also heard firsthand about Information Technology, Telework, Child Care, Emergency Management and Healthcare positions. Students engaged in the activities and DRR received positive feedback from students, teachers and employees.

While disability employment is celebrated in October, it is imperative that advocacy take place year-round to ensure that persons with disabilities are employed at a rate equal to persons without disabilities.

*Statistics obtained from the Department of Labor and the American Community Survey.

Disability Employment Awareness Month Proclamation

WHEREAS, October is nationally designated as Disability Employment Awareness Month by the US Department of Labor;

WHEREAS, the national theme of this year’s Disability Employment Awareness Month, Disability: Part of the Equity Equation, recognizes the important role people with disabilities play in making our nation’s workforce diverse and inclusive;

WHEREAS, 17% of Virginia residents with disabilities have income below the poverty level;

WHEREAS, 10% of Fairfax County residents with disabilities have income below the poverty level;

WHEREAS, people with disabilities make up 7% of the labor force in Virginia;

WHEREAS, people with disabilities make up 4% of the labor force in Fairfax County;

WHEREAS, 8,247 Fairfax County residents with disabilities have income below the poverty level;

WHEREAS, a workplace that is inclusive of people with disabilities is an enriching environment that spurs creativity, ingenuity, and productivity for everyone;

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors declares October 2022 as

Disability Employment Awareness Month

in Fairfax County. We recommit to doubling our efforts to promote employment of people with disabilities, including a goal of making Fairfax County government a model employer of people with disabilities.

Jeffrey C. McKay, Chairman
Fairfax County Board of Supervisors 
Saturday, October 1, 2022

Talking Points on National Disability Employment Awareness Month

Disability Employment Awareness Month 2022

Talking Points:

  • October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month. 
  • We recognize National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) each October to commemorate the many contributions of people with disabilities to America’s workplaces and economy.
  • The theme for NDEAM 2022, “Disability: Part of the Equity Equation,” recognizes the important role people with disabilities play in a diverse and inclusive American workforce.
  • According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 19.1 percent of persons with a disability were employed in 2021*.
  • A larger share of workers with a disability were self-employed in 2021 than were those with no disability (9.6 percent versus 6.4 percent)*.
  • The unemployment rate for persons with a disability, at 10.1 percent in 2021, decreased by 2.5 percentage points from the previous year*.
  • While disability employment is celebrated in October, it is imperative that advocacy take place year-round to ensure that persons with disabilities are employed at a rate equal to persons without disabilities.

*Statistics obtained from the Department of Labor and the American Community Survey.

Print version (PDF)

Employment Mentoring Day

Fairfax County’s Disability Rights and Resources hosted Employment Mentoring Day for students from Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS). It was a great success! We partnered with FCPS to educate high school students about employment opportunities and requirements, and we celebrated the many contributions of America's workers with disabilities. Students met with professionals from several departments to learn about different careers. They also heard from former interns in the John Hudson Internship program and toured the Government Center to learn about career options.

Students talking to staff sitting at table.
Students visit Fairfax County Cross Division Services to learn about mailroom careers. 
Students sit at a conference table and learn about the Office of Public Affairs.
Director of the Office of Public Affairs Tony Castrilli talks to students.  

Students stand next to police car and learn about law enforcement.
Members of the Fairfax County Police Department met to discuss careers in law enforcement with students. 
Disability Rights and Resources Manager, Claudia Vila, speaks to a student about disability advocacy and resources.
Disability Rights and Resources Manager, Claudia Vila, speaks to a student about disability advocacy and resources. 

Students listening to speaker and watching screen of person talking.
Students heard from Andrew Magill, a former John Hudson intern and Fairfax County employee.
Students visit table to learn about careers.
Students spoke to professionals from different county offices to learn about their jobs. 

 

 


For media inquiries, contact Department of Family Services' Public Information Officer Amy Carlini by email, office phone 703-324-7758 or mobile phone 571-355-6672.

Back to top

Fairfax Virtual Assistant