Anchorage Assembly to consider Disability Employment Awareness Month resolution

The Anchorage Assembly is scheduled to consider a resolution on Oct. 6 recognizing October as Disability Employment Awareness Month. The resolution cites the 2026 theme, "Celebrating Value and Talent," and marks the 36th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The resolution notes that Alaska has a lower Social Security Disability approval rate than other states, though it cites no employment figures of its own. The Alaska Work Matters Task Force has reported separate data on the gap: Alaska Mental Health Trust figures show 40% of Alaskans with disabilities are employed, compared with 80% of those without disabilities. A 2020 American Community Survey found labor force participation at 51% for Alaskans with disabilities, versus 77% for those without. The task force concluded that Alaskans with disabilities face higher rates of unemployment and underemployment.

The resolution calls on policymakers, labor leaders and employers to build workplaces that offer part-time professional work and disability friendly technology. It encourages residents to learn more about disability inclusive employment.

Sponsors include Chair Anna Brawley, Vice Chair Daniel Volland, Members Johnson, George Martinez, Kameron Perez-Verdia and Yarrow Silvers, and Mayor Suzanne LaFrance.