Message from President David Lassner

As President of the University of Hawaii, I am proud to once again announce our participation in National Disability Employment Awareness Month (“NDEAM”), an annual campaign that sheds light on disability employment issues through education, and celebrates the many and varied contributions of America’s workers with disabilities. This year’s theme is “Increasing Access and Opportunity.”

Reflecting on this year’s theme, our team put together a webinar series on various disability employment and accessibility related topics that started on October 5th through the end of the month. If you have not yet registered, I strongly encourage you to see the attached flyer for details on how to register for the webinar series as well as an announcement on OHR website (click here). 

Celebrated annually in October, NDEAM acknowledges America’s workers with disabilities and reminds employers of the importance of inclusive hiring practices. In 1945, Congress declared the first week of October “National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week.” In 1962, the word “physically” was dropped to include individuals with all types of disabilities. Congress expanded the week to a month in 1988, and changed the commemoration to National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

On July 26, 2020, we celebrated and recognized the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).  While we have made a lot of progress since 1990, there is still more work to be done to prohibit discrimination against individuals with disabilities, reduce barriers, change perceptions and increase full participation in many aspects of living, learning, and working. 

As a reminder, we want to spread the important message that we value all perspectives, including those of individuals with disabilities. If you have not done so yet, please take a few moments to indicate your veteran and/or disability status in this two-question survey using your UH login below: https://www.hawaii.edu/offices/eeo/veteran-disability-survey/.

This information will be confidential and submitted directly to the EEO/AA Officer. It will be used only for federal reporting purposes and will not affect your current employment. Your response is strictly voluntary.

If you would like more information on the ADA or to request a reasonable accommodation at work, please contact the ADA Coordinator at your campus. For further information, please refer to the following link: http://www.hawaii.edu/offices/eeo/ada-504-coordinators/.

Thank you for your support of this important campaign celebrating the 30th Anniversary of ADA and 75th Anniversary of NDEAM.

David Lassner

UH President