Diversity Spotlight – October 2021

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 from October 2 to October 3. Participation in this race will be offered in person and virtually, and all participants are encouraged to time themselves and upload their times to the site! 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.
• The Down Syndrome Guild (DSG) hosts the Kansas City Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk on October 16. Attendees will enjoy lunch and entertainment for all ages, including pony rides, moon walks, mechanical rides, carnival games, live music, and more. The festivities will occur from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with the walk starting at 1:30 p.m. DSG provides support and resources for individuals with Down syndrome, their families, and the professionals who serve them. Please visit online for more information and to register your team.

 

Central Missouri

• Participate in the State of Missouri’s Annual Poster Contest for Disability Employment Awareness Month. While this year’s winner has already been selected, submissions for next year’s poster will be accepted until August 22, 2022. To view the rules for the contest and past winners, please visit the website.

 

Eastern Missouri

• The Arya Foundation presents its Craft Tour 2K21. This event features Swarovski jewelry handcrafted by children with special needs and takes place on October 30-31 at Parkway West High School. All proceeds go back to The Arya Foundation. For more information, please visit the website.
• Autism Speaks presents the 2021 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 9 at 8:30 a.m. at the Upper Muny Parking Lot in 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.

 

Diversity Spotlight – November 2021

Native American Heritage Month

Celebrate Native American Heritage Month by participating in activities around the state:

Western Missouri       

• Visit the Native American Collection at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. The collection features more than 200 objects, including pottery, basketry, quill and beadwork, textiles, painting, and sculpture. For information on the collection, please visit the website.
• Were your ancestors Native American? Research your family tree at the National Archives, Central Plains Region, Kansas City. For information regarding hours or scheduling, please contact (816) 268-8000 or email kansascity.archives@nara.gov.

 

Central Missouri

• Imagine 18th century life at Osage Village State Historic Site in what is now a peaceful hilltop spot that once was the home of up to 3,000 Native peoples and about 200 lodges. Print a site map and suggested walking tour to enhance your time at this state park located in Walker. Check out the site for directions or further information.
• Visit Graham State Park, located just west of Danville. A walk in Graham Cave State Park is a walk through ancient history. Artifacts uncovered in Graham Cave reveal that people occupied the cave 8,000 to 10,000 years ago. Please visit online for further information.

 

Eastern Missouri

• Explore Towosahgy State Historic Site in East Prairie, where visitors can view earthen mounds built by Mississippian peoples living in Missouri. Visit online for additional detail.
• Visit the only Illinois Indian Village site discovered in Missouri at Iliniwek Village State Historic Site. Visitors can pack a picnic and hike the short walking trial, complete with an excavated Indian longhouse. Check out the site for directions to Wayland or further detail.
• Discover the Trail of Tears State Park, where thousands of Cherokee peoples crossed the Mississippi River in a forced migration from their native lands to the then newly created Indian Territory, now Oklahoma. For more information or directions to Jackson, visit the site.

 

Statewide

• The State Historical Society of Missouri houses resources for those interested in Native American history. Collections may be accessed at the SHSMO Research Centers in Cape Girardeau, Columbia, Kansas City, Rolla, Springfield, and St. Louis.
• Pay tribute to the rich ancestry and traditions of Native Americans specific to Missouri, including the Chickasaw, Missouri, Osage, Otoe, and Quapaw communities.
• Missouri is a Siouan Indian word defined as town of the large canoes, wooden canoe people, or he of the big canoe. Set afloat in your own canoe on one of Missouri’s many scenic waterways throughout the state.