"Planting Seeds for Tomorrow" is the theme of the 2008 National Disability Employment Awareness Month campaign sponsored by the Ida Mae Campbell Foundation. In 1988, Congress designated October as Disability Employment Awareness Month to generate awareness about the talents and abilities of our nation's citizens with disabilities.

The theme, "Planting Seeds for Tomorrow" calls attention to an untapped personnel resource in this country - persons with disabilities.  Citizens with disabilities represent an underutilized reservoir of ambition, talent and skill, and we hope employers across the country will be reminded by Disability Employment Awareness Month of the contributions these individuals stand ready to make in the workplace. In a world where technology is a necessary aspect of almost every business, physical ability is seldom a limitation. Assistive technology and other accommodations make it possible for people with disabilities to be competitive in today's labor market.

The Ida Mae Campbell Foundation, in conjunction with Rehabilitative Services Administration in the District of Columbia Department of Disability Services, provides vocational rehabilitation services to Washingtonians with disabilities through the Ticket to Work initiative at the Ida Mae Campbell Wellness & Resource Center. The Center is located at 1338 North Capitol Street NW, Suite 101, Washington, DC.  Numerous vocational services are available to guests, including developing a Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) for work and computer skills training. For more information about the Foundation and the Center visit www.idamaecampbell.org.

Throughout the month, Ida Mae Campbell Foundation staff will work with businesses and agencies across Washington, DC on activities that highlight the importance of citizens with disabilities to our economy.

 If you'd like more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview with Beverly McCollum, please call Jennie Simpson at (202) 684-7015 or email Jennie at jenmsimpson@gmail.com