For more than 70 years, National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) has championed disability inclusion in the workplace.  Congress first started NDEAM in 1945 as “National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week”.  Over time, through the passing of legislation and continued advancements for differently-abled workers, NDEAM evolved into an entire month.

More than anything, this month is not just a reminder to institute inclusive hiring practices but also to celebrate the contributions of those who’ve overcome disabilities to make an impact on society.

Stevie Wonder has defied the odds of blindness, with a decades-long music career in which he’s created the soundtrack to our lives.  He has won 25 Grammy Awards and is often cited as an influence for today’s pop and soul artists.  Even now, he continues to use his platform to take a stand for important issues.  In 2017, during one of his concerts, he knelt onstage in solidarity with NFL athletes protesting police brutality.

Actress Marlee Matlin has proven time and time again that deafness is no barrier to creating great art.  Her TV and film work have earned her a Golden Globe and Oscar, respectively, as well as Emmy nominations.  In addition to her career, she has worked extensively with the National Association of the Deaf.

And though most of his career has taken place abroad, Lenin Moreno’s story has reverberated around the world.  The Ecuadorian Vice President was shot during a robbery attempt in 1998.  He has been wheelchair-bound ever since and has been a powerful global advocate for people with disabilities.  His work has been so influential that it earned him a 2012 Nobel Peace Prize nomination.

During this month, let’s take the time to not only include differently-abled employees but also recognize their contributions.