DHS Observes National Disability Employment Awareness Month

Commissioner of Human Services Nominee Kimberley Causey-Gomez (photo by Barry Leerdam, Legislature of the Virgin Islands).

The Virgin Islands Department of Human Services (DHS) has announced its participation in National Disability Employment Awareness Month, which takes place in October 2019. This annual awareness campaign serves to educate the community about disability employment issues and to celebrate the many and varied contributions of America’s workers with disabilities. This year’s theme is “The Right Talent, Right Now.”

In 1945, the U.S. Congress enacted a law declaring the first week in October each year as “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. These changes have been expanded to a month filled with activities celebrating disability employment.

“The Department of Human Services supports the hiring of a diverse workforce, which includes hiring people with disabilities. This is a good business decision. We encourage diversity and desire employees who are loyal and provide value,” said Commissioner-designee Kimberley Causey-Gomez.

“It is more than the concept of inclusion; ideally, employees should feel like they “belong” while at the same time being valued for their unique characteristics and perspectives,” she said.

The Department’s Division of Disabilities and Rehabilitation Services will engage in activities that promote awareness of disability employment issues and its commitment for an inclusive work culture.

For more information, call 626-6268 or follow DHS on FaceBook @ US Virgin Islands Department of Human Services.