This is the Department of Labor blog post authored by Kathy Martinez, Assistant Secretary of Labor  for Disability Employment Policy.  In her blog, Kathy includes a video, Who I Am, produced by the Campaign for Disability Employment, which is funded by the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy.  Who I am features nine people with disabilities sharing their many sides including the jobs they love.  It affirms the value of the diverse attributes, skills and talents of people with disabilities bring to the workplace.

Today I had the distinct pleasure of attending a White House event to honor Disability Employment Champions of Change, who have done extraordinary work to promote workplace inclusion and to create employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. One of the highlights of the event was the screening of a new public service announcement Who I Am that affirms the value of the diverse attributes, skills and talents those of us with disabilities bring to the workplace. 

All of us, including those of us with disabilities, have multiple ways of describing ourselves.  Those of you who know me know that I certainly do!  And while my disability is one part of who I am, it is just that—one part!

That’s the inspiration for Who I Am produced by the Campaign for Disability Employment, which is funded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy.  The PSA features nine people with disabilities sharing their many sides, including the jobs they love.

Who I Am reminds us that we are all the sum of many parts—some that are visible and some that are not.  We hope the PSA empowers everyone—particularly those of us with disabilities— to bring our whole selves to everything we do—including work.  We also hope it inspires employers, large and small, to create workplaces where everyone is valued and where it’s safe to “own” and disclose one’s disability.  Doing so will let us truly celebrate the power of diversity and help us measure our progress towards a U.S. workforce inclusive of everyone, including those of us with disabilities.

Please take a look at the video, share it with your friends and family on social media and celebrate who YOU are!

Kathy Martinez is the assistant secretary of labor for disability employment policy.