KCATA Recognizes National Disability Employment Awareness Month

Posted on: Oct 23, 2013

The KCATA recognized National Disability Employment Awareness Month at the October 23, 2013, Board of Commissioners meeting. A resolution (below) has been issued in honor of the month.

Certified Resolution

National Disability Employment Awareness Month

WHEREAS, National Disability Employment Awareness Month began in 1945 when Congress enacted a law declaring "National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week;" and WHEREAS, in 1962, the word "physically" was removed to acknowledge the employment needs of all types of disabilities and in 1988, Congress expanded the week to a month and changed the name to National Disability Employment Awareness Month; and WHEREAS, the purpose of National Disability Employment Awareness Month is to educate about disability employment issues and celebrate the many and varied contributions of America's workers with disabilities; and WHEREAS, workplaces welcoming of the talents of all people, including people with disabilities, are a critical part of our efforts to build an inclusive community and strong economy; and WHEREAS, many myths regarding employing those with disabilities are false and that hiring does not increase worker compensation insurance rates, the majority of those requiring accommodations and the costs are low, absenteeism is not higher than normal, and finally, the ADA does not require the hiring nor retention of unqualified disabled workers; and WHEREAS, providing public transportation provides citizens with a critical link to employment, services, and social opportunities throughout our region; BE IT RESOLVED, that the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority Board of Commissioners do hereby recognize October 2013 as National Disability Employment Awareness Month. In so doing, we call upon all of the communities in which we serve to recognize that providing effective, efficient transportation options are vital to the vibrancy, economic development, and sustainability of this great region. In witness thereof, I have set my hand and the seal of the Authority this twenty-third day of October 2013. Signed: Andrew J. Dusek, Secretary of the Board Mark E. Huffer, General Manager