WHEREAS, Alaska Statute recognizes the first full week of October as Alaska Employ People with Disabilities Week to celebrate and promote the integration of Alaskans with disabilities into our state’s workforce; and
WHEREAS, this observance highlights the talent and value added to our workplace and our communities by individuals with disabilities, and reinforces the State of Alaska’s commitment to every citizen; and
WHEREAS, competitive and cohesive employment provides individuals with a sense of pride, financial security, stable living conditions, access to quality health management, and elevated independence; and
WHEREAS, Alaska is an Employment First State, and our state agencies emphasize competitive and assimilated employment for all Alaskans, and the state is dedicated to being a model employer by attracting qualified individuals with disabilities to contribute their knowledge and talents as public employees; and
WHEREAS, the Alaska Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act, empowers Alaskans with disabilities to pursue employment earnings and savings, while enabling them to continue to qualify for essential public benefits; and
WHEREAS, the State of Alaska celebrates and recognizes the talents and impacts of individuals with disabilities in the workplace and reaffirms its pledge to promoting awareness about disability employment opportunities, acknowledging that doing so is a critical part of our efforts to build an inclusive community and strong economy throughout Alaska.
NOW THEREFORE, I, Mike Dunleavy, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF ALASKA, do hereby proclaim October 1 – 7, 2023 as:
Alaska Employ People with Disabilities Week
in Alaska, and encourage all Alaskans to observe this week with appropriate programs and activities, and encourage employers to hire qualified Alaskans with disabilities, and to advance the important message that individuals with disabilities are valued in Alaska’s workforce.
Dated: October 1, 2023
