October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month

October marks the annual celebration of National Disability Employment Awareness Month. During this month we recognize the hard work and dedication of those with differing abilities and their many contributions to the American workforce. National Disability Employment Awareness Month dates back to 1945 when the U.S. Congress declared the first week in October "National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week.'' Then in 1962, the word "physically" was removed in an effort to acknowledge those individuals with varying disabilities and their contributions on the job. In 1988, Congress expanded the week-long celebration to the entire month and changed the name to "National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)."

As we celebrate NDEAM it is also important that we make a concerted effort to advocate for workers with differing abilities by educating all Americans on the issues surrounding employment for those living with a disability. One of the more prevalent issues that organizations such as Melwood face today is based on the topic of fair wages for all employees. Mel wood's corporate philosophy is very simple. Every person Melwood employs, regardless of their ability, deserves a fair wage for their work. So, in 2013, when 1 assumed the role as Chief Executive Officer of this great organization we made the philosophical decision to pay our employees with differing abilities at least the minimum wage. I am confident that it was the right thing to do and a direct affirmation of the organization's mission and core values.

In the spirit of social entrepreneurship in which Melwood was founded, we provide over 700 people with differing abilities with a good job, benefits and direct supports. We are able to achieve this by employing our workers both here at Mel wood and on our more than 35 federal contracts through the U.S. AbilityOne program. l am most proud of Mel wood's efforts to ensure that all of our employees with differing abilities earn at least the minimum wage. In fact, over 80 percent earn more than the new minimum wage and the average wage for our workers with disabilities is $12.43 per hour. We have also made great strides with Melwood's new electronic recycling program which has created 20 new job opportunities just this month!

The theme for this year's NDEAM campaign is Expect. Employ. Empower. As we continue to celebrate and advocate for American workers with disabilities I am reminded of a quote from a letter written by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. which reads "lnjustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." This quote reminds me each day of Mel wood's responsibility to continually fight for the rights of people with disabilities so that we will realize our vision of a world where people with differing abilities are fully included.

l would like to sincerely thank the entire Melwood Family for joining me in this fight. Your commitment to our mission to advocate for and empower those of differing abilities to transform their own lives through unique opportunities to work and play in the community is vital to Mel wood's continued growth.

Sincerely,

Carli DeSantis