October 2019: National Disability Employment Awareness Month

Celebrate Disability History and Awareness Month by participating in activities around the state:

Western Missouri

• The International Dyslexia Association (IDA) hosts the Dyslexia Dash KC on October 3 at Horizon Academy beginning at 4 p.m. IDA’s mission is to give students with dyslexia a better learning experience through teacher training, parent support, and student empowerment. All funds raised at the Dyslexia Dash fund the teacher scholarships and Learning Ally scholarship accounts. Please visit online to register or sponsor this event.

• Join the networking opportunities at the Fifteenth Annual Greater Kansas City Disability Mentoring Day for an informative event addressing employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. The event will be held at Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation Conference Center on October 30. The event is free for those Kansas City vicinity individuals with a disability, and lunch is complimentary with advance registration.

• The Whole Person presents Tota Voces (Whole Voices) Choir Rehearsal on October 16 beginning at 6 p.m. Tota Vocesor “Whole Voices” is an inclusive choir from The Whole Person created specifically for individuals with disabilities to have a place to express themselves musically. All are welcome, including friends, family, and advocates of the disability community. This event will take place at The Whole Person, located at 3710 Main Street. Please contact Heather Schouten at 816-853-3434 for more details.

• Ability KC presents Insights in Rehabilitation: A Professional Conference. On October 23 at the Kauffman Foundation Conference Center, join Ability KC and educational presenters Jerry K Hoepner, Ph.D., CC-SLP, Michael Partington, MD, MS FAAP, Mark Fisher, MD, Terrie Price, Ph.D., ABPP, and Megan Clark, MD as they discuss meeting the needs of patients with cognitive disorders. For more information or to register for this special event, please visit online.

Central Missouri

• The Down Syndrome Guild (DSG) hosts the Central Missouri Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk on October 7 at the University of Missouri Arena Parking Lot. DSG provides support and resources for individuals with Down syndrome, their families, and the professionals who serve them. Please visit online to register or donate to this special cause.

• Dragonfest Renaissance Faire is held to raise funds for the tuition assistance program at Infinity Academy, a school for kids with learning disabilities like autism. Dragonfest includes food, games, music, vendors, demonstrations, and new this year – jousting tournaments. This inclusive, family-friendly event is open to the entire community and will take place on October 19 at the Springfield Riding Club Facility in Rogersville.

• The University of Missouri, as part of its Celebrate Ability Week, presents Mindful Yoga. Designed for all ability levels and body types and targeted for people who would generally dismiss the idea of yoga. This thirty-minute presentation on self-acceptance using mindful self-compassion and appreciation will be followed by thirty minutes of mindful yoga. For more information, please visit online.

• Missouri Parents Act (MPACT) presents Steps to Success: Effectively Communicating Your Child’s Needs. This workshop, taking place October 7 beginning at 9:30 a.m. at the Lebanon-Laclede Library located at 917 South Jefferson Avenue, is designed to support families of young children who are new to the process of working with caregivers and providers on how to communicate effectively regarding your child. For additional details or to register, please visit online.

Eastern Missouri

• Healthcare professionals and survivors of brain injuries and their families are welcome to attend the Brain Injury Association of Missouri’s upcoming Survivor and Family Seminar at the Marriott St. Louis West on October 5. Seminar highlights include topics such as behavior following brain injury, fighting fatigue, daily life of a brain injury survivor, and facilitated discussions for families of brain injury survivors. Attendance is free, but registration is required at BIA-MO.

• Starkloff Disability Institute presents the 2019 Workforce, Workplace Disability Summit. On October 1at the Mercy Virtual Care Center in Chesterfield, this session will provide insights on creating a disability-welcoming workforce and workplace; from interviewing people with disabilities to onboarding them. The Summit is a premier conference on disability inclusion and accessibility in the workplace. Please visit online for more information.

• On October 3, Lift Disability Network in Missouri has partnered with several local organizations that are great resources for the disability community. Lift has invited three speakers to share information about their organizations and how they can benefit you and your family. Presenters at this month’s series represent the following organizations: Disabled Athletes Sports Association (DASA); Recreation Council of Greater St. Louis; and Tree House of Greater St. Louis (equine therapy). For more information about this free event, please visit online. 

• Autism Speaks presents the 2019 St. Louis Walk. Autism Speaks is powered by the love of parents, grandparents, siblings, friends, relatives, and support providers for people with autism. With every step you take and every dollar you raise, you help enhance lives today and accelerate a spectrum of solutions for tomorrow. This special event takes place on October 12 at the Upper Muny Lot at Forest Park. Please visit online for additional details or to donate.

Learn more by exploring these related websites:

• U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission provides valuable information about disability discrimination, pre- and post-offer medical exams, and employer responsibility under the ADA.

• Discover answers to questions about workplace accommodations with expert advice from the Job Accommodations Network. 

• U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy provides answers to questions about recruiting, hiring, and retaining people with disabilities. Visit online to download “Inclusion Drives Innovation” posters in English and Spanish to display at your worksite during October for National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

• Explore the important 2008 law amending the ADA.

• Visit the Governor’s Council on Disabilities’ Missouri Resource Directory for invaluable guidance organized by geographic area.