To: Board of Supervisors
From: Dr. Grant Colfax, Health Services Director
Report Title: National Disability Employment Awareness Month - October 2026
Recommendation: Recommendation of the County Administrator
RECOMMENDATIONS:
ACCEPT recommendation to recognize October 2026, as National Disability Awareness Month in Contra Costa County; and ADOPT a resolution recognizing and commemorating the 81st anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month in October 2026, and affirming Contra Costa County’s support for inclusive workforce practices and equal employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact for this action.
BACKGROUND:
See Resolution.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
Failure to adopt this resolution would result in a missed opportunity to promote disability inclusion and may reduce engagement by local employers, educational institutions, and community organizations in NDEAM-related activities.
THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA
and for Special Districts, Agencies and Authorities Governed by the Board
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IN THE MATTER OF recognizing October 2026 as National Disability Employment Awareness Month.
WHEREAS, October 2026 marks the 81st anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month; and
WHEREAS, The purpose of National Disability Employment Awareness Month is to raise awareness of disability employment and celebrate the many and varied contributions of America’s workers with disabilities; and
WHEREAS, The history of NDEAM traces back to 1945, when it began as a weeklong recognition of people with physical disabilities.
WHEREAS, Later, NDEAM was expanded to a full month and evolved to include all people with disabilities, including those with mental health conditions and other nonobvious disabilities, acknowledging the importance of increasing their access to employment.
WHEREAS, Workplaces welcoming of the talents of all people, including people with disabilities, including those with mental health conditions and other nonobvious disabilities, are a critical part of our efforts to build a strong economy; and
WHEREAS, Activities during this month will reinforce the value and talent people with disabilities, including those with mental health conditions and other nonobvious disabilities, add to our workplaces and communities and affirm county’s commitment to ensuring that all people, including disabled workers, have the opportunity to find meaningful work.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the county of Contra Costa recognizes and commemorates the 81st anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy and the County of Contra Costa call upon employers, schools, and other community organizations in Contra Costa, California, to participate in the observance with appropriate programs and activities in October to help ensure that disabled workers have the opportunity to find meaningful work every month of every year; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the County of Contra Costa pledges to continue to take steps throughout the year to recruit, hire, retain, and advance individuals with disabilities and work to pursue the goals of opportunity, full participation, economic self-sufficiency, and independent living for people with disabilities, including those with mental health conditions and other nonobvious disabilities.