That the correspondence from Ontario Disability Employment Network asking Council to consider proclaiming the Month of October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month in the Town of Essex be received or received and supported; and if supported
That Council proclaim the month of October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month in the Town of Essex by adopting the following resolution:
Whereas, Light it Up! For NDEAM® spotlights the many ways people who have a disability contribute to businesses and their communities, demonstrating how disability inclusion in employment can drive success and competitiveness; and
Whereas, Light it Up! For NDEAM® is the main event of Ontario Disability Employment Network (“ODEN”) and is a national movement celebrating its fifth anniversary with a one-night coordinated special lighting event which occurs on the third Thursday of every October; and
Whereas, in 2024, over 800 locations in almost 200 communities across Canada illuminated in purple and blue. This nationwide collaboration involves ODEN, the Canadian Association for Supported Employment, MentorAbility Canada, the federal government, municipal and provincial governments, Jobs Ability Canada, and many community-based agencies. It is this collective effort that makes "Light It Up! For NDEAM®" a powerful event in big cities, small towns, and rural communities from coast to coast; and
Whereas, the Town of Essex encourages local business and community members to participate by illuminating key landmarks in purple and blue.
Therefore, I, Sherry Bondy, Mayor of the Town of Essex, do hereby proclaim the month of October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month and invite businesses to participate in the national event to further celebrate workplace accomplishments of people with disabilities across Essex County on October 16, 2025 for Light it Up! For NDEAM Day.