North American Inclusion Month (NAIM)

History of North American Inclusion Month (NAIM)

Archaeological evidence reveals that since early history, various cultures have provided for people with disabilities. Although the ancient Greeks and Romans were obsessed with the perfecting of the human body, structural provisions were made to allow the handicapped to access temples and healing sanctuaries.

In the Middle Ages, however, disabilities came to be viewed as punishment for sins and works of demons. Therefore, the disabled became outcasts and homeless beggars. In the 18th and 19th centuries, during the Industrial Revolution, employers began valuing people based on their ability to produce like machines. Hence, people with disabilities became a problem to be solved or eradicated.

It wasn’t until the early 1970s that disability activism took shape in the United States. Between the 1970s and 1990s, the U.S. government passed several laws to ensure the inclusion of people with disabilities in society. Examples include the Rehabilitation Act, Education for All Handicapped Children Act, Amendments to the 1972 Higher Education Act, and the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

In 2011, Yachad launched the North American Inclusion Month to raise awareness about the need for more opportunities for people with disabilities.

North American Inclusion Month (NAIM) timeline

500 — 1500

A Dark Era

Europeans view disabilities as a punishment for sin or the works of demons.

1970s

The Rise of Disability Activism

Americans begin protesting against the mistreatment of people with disabilities.

1990

The Enactment of ADA

The U.S. government passes the Americans with Disabilities Act.

2011

NAIM is Born

Yachad establishes the North American Inclusion Month.

North American Inclusion Month (NAIM) FAQs

When is North American Inclusion Month?

In 2027, NAIM will again be observed throughout the entire month of February, from Monday, February 1, through Sunday, February 28. This annual observance is a crucial period for raising awareness and promoting accessibility.

What is the purpose of North American Inclusion Month?

For 2027, NAIM continues its mission to promote equal opportunities and foster a more inclusive society for individuals with disabilities. It encourages dialogue, education, and action to ensure that everyone can participate fully and effectively.

How many people in North America have disabilities?

The population of individuals with disabilities remains substantial in 2027, with figures consistently showing a large segment of society. These numbers underscore the ongoing importance of NAIM’s advocacy for accessibility and equal rights.

Who founded North American Inclusion Month?

Yachad, a global organization dedicated to supporting people with disabilities, continues to be the driving force behind NAIM in 2027. Their efforts focus on ensuring that people with disabilities are fully integrated into society.

How to Observe North American Inclusion Month (NAIM)

Schedule a sensitivity training for your organization

Sensitivity training is an organizational development technique to make people aware of their prejudice and more sensitive to others. Different organizations offer this training, including HR University, Oculus, Cornell University, and Catalyst.

Host a program on inclusion

This program could be a talk show, forum, or community outreach. You need to create a plan, choose a venue (virtual or physical), invite guest speakers, and promote the program. Also, you can check for a nearby inclusion expert and invite them.

Post about inclusion on social media

As an individual or organization interested in making an inclusive society, you can share your views about it on social media. This will ensure a greater reach.

5 Facts People With Disabilities

People with disabilities in the world

According to the U.N., 15% of the world’s population lives with a disability.

People with disabilities in America

According to the C.D.C., 61 million adults in the United States live with a disability.

The leading cause of disabilities

Illnesses cause about 91% of disabilities.

Access to healthcare

One in three adults with disabilities does not have a usual healthcare provider.

Women are more likely to be disabled

One in four women in the United States has a disability.

Why North American Inclusion Month (NAIM) is Important

It raises awareness

People with disabilities encounter various systemic, architectural, communication, and technology challenges that prevent them from functioning effectively. They’re also stigmatized in workplaces. NAIM helps draw attention to these issues with statistics to show how people with disabilities are totally excluded from society.

It promotes an inclusive workplace

In addition to stigmatization, most workplaces are not designed with people with disabilities in mind. Also, most employers avoid employing people with disabilities, leaving most of them unemployed. Sensitivity training during NAIM helps educate employers and coworkers on communicating and working with people with disabilities. NAIM’s awareness programs also promote the strengths of people with disabilities and the benefits of an inclusive workplace.

It promotes an inclusive society

NAIM provides an opportunity for organizing awareness and outreach programs on inclusion. That helps pinpoint the challenges of people with disabilities and develop feasible solutions to these challenges.