WHEREAS, October 2026 marks the 81st anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month; and

WHEREAS, workplaces across our state that are welcoming of the talents of all people, including people with disabilities, are critical to healthy communities and a strong economy; and

WHEREAS, while the employment rate of people with disabilities ages 16 to 64 in Maine has increased to 44 percent, it remains significantly lower than the 83 percent employment rate for Maine people without disabilities; and

WHEREAS, it is important that the State of Maine prepare all youth, including those with disabilities, for meaningful careers and an adulthood that includes employment; and

WHEREAS, Maine is an Employment First state, affirming employment as the first and preferred option for people with disabilities who receive services from state agencies; and

WHEREAS, people with disabilities, including people who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Late Deafened, Blind or with Low Vision make significant contributions to Maine's economy and communities; and

WHEREAS, activities during this month will reinforce the value and talent people with disabilities add to our workplaces and communities and affirm Maine's commitment to increasing access to good jobs and competitive, integrated employment for all workers, including those with disabilities;

NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved that I, Janet T. Mills, Governor of the State of Maine, do hereby proclaim October 2026 as 

Disability Employment Awareness Month

throughout the State of Maine, and I call upon employers, schools, higher education institutions and other community organizations in Maine to observe October with appropriate programs and activities that celebrate the contributions of people with disabilities and promote access to good, in-demand jobs and career pathways such as registered apprenticeships for all Maine people.

In testimony whereof, I have caused

the Great Seal of the State to be

hereunto affixed GIVEN under my

hand at Augusta this twenty eighth day of

September Two Thousand Twenty-Six