City of Charleston Proclamation for National Disability Employment Awareness Month

Press Release

On October 12th, 2021, Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg issued a proclamation in observance of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) expressing gratitude to Palmetto Goodwill Services.

NDEAM is held every October to commemorate the contributions of people with disabilities to America’s workplaces and economy. This year’s theme is “America’s Recovery: Powered by Inclusion” which signifies the importance of ensuring that people with disabilities have full access to employment and community involvement during the national recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Mayor Tecklenburg presented the proclamation to Lorna Utley, interim CEO of Palmetto Goodwill, thanking the organization for the contributions it makes to the community.

The purpose of NDEAM is to educate about disability employment issues and celebrate the many and varied contributions of America’s workers with disabilities. Its history 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.

Palmetto Goodwill Services offers a variety of programs that help individuals with disabilities get the training and career support they need to find the jobs that they want. Through our commercial services division, Palmetto Goodwill provides operational solutions while employing people with various disabilities in areas that include custodial, secure mail-room operations, and grounds maintenance. Palmetto Goodwill Services manages numerous government contracts that provide employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Under the supervision of Goodwill, individuals with severe disabilities can enter the workforce and become independent, self-sufficient members of the community.

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