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Welcome from the Library of Congress
As the largest repository of the world's knowledge and American creativity, the Library of Congress is a symbol of democracy and the principles on which the United States was founded. With our mission to acquire and preserve this exponentially growing body of knowledge comes the responsibility to make it accessible to all individuals of this great nation.
The Library is home to the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, established in 1931 to provide books for blind adults. Today, NLS administers the free program that loans recorded and braille books and magazines, music scores in braille and large print, and specially designed playback equipment to residents of the United States who are unable to read or use standard print materials because of visual or physical impairment. The network of cooperating libraries that administer the program comprises some 57 regional libraries and 86 subregionals.
The Library has taken many steps to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. These include providing interpreters for tours and public programs, offering closed-circuit magnification systems and speech synthesizers for researchers and making available the Assistive Technology Demonstration Center, which centralizes programs which access and provide reasonable accommodation, assistive technology and ergonomic equipment for disabled employees.
This annual celebration is one of the ways in which the Library heightens awareness and recognizes the contributions of disabled Americans to our society and workforce. This year's theme, "Workers with Disabilities: Talent for a Winning Team," gives a hand to those who have overcome their handicaps to contribute their valuable resources to labor, business and commerce.
On behalf of the dedicated Library of Congress staff, I invite you to the Library in Washington, D.C., for a series of special events related to the celebration of Disability Employment Awareness Month, including a keynote presentation by Rep. James Langevin (D-R.I.) on Oct. 4 at 1 p.m. in the Mumford Room.
The Library's month-long celebration will help demonstrate how disabled Americans have strengthened our country with their talent and creativity, helping to create awareness and good will.
James H. Billington
Librarian of Congress
National Disability Employment Awareness Month
In October, Americans observe National Disability Employment Awareness Month by paying tribute to the accomplishments of the men and women with disabilities whose work helps keep the nation's economy strong and by reaffirming their commitment to ensure equal opportunity for all citizens.
This effort to educate the public about the issues related to disability and employment began in 1945, when Congress enacted Public Law 176, declaring the first week of October each year as National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week. In 1962, the word "physically" was removed to acknowledge the employment needs and contributions of individuals with all types of disabilities. Some 25 years later, Congress expanded the week to a month and changed the name to National Disability Employment Awareness Month.
About This Year's Theme
America’s People…America’s Talent…America’s Strength!
The Declaration of Independence conveys the philosophy of the nation’s new government that every human being has inherent worth bestowed upon them by the Creator, and that equality is a fundamental right. According to Neil Romano, Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) assistant secretary, “It is ODEP’s responsibility to ensure that the founding fathers’ intent of equality resonates across America for people with disabilities and that obstacles preventing them from achieving their human potential be removed. Making good on this fundamental obligation is our duty as a nation—a human capital investment in America’s future in honor of our forefathers.”