ARLINGTON, Va. - The Army National Guard (ARNG) is observing National Disability Employment Awareness Month throughout October to embrace the skills that individuals with disabilities bring to the workplace and to reflect upon diversity within the ARNG.
"Today, I challenge you to think about fairness in a different way: ensuring our employees have the resources they need to be successful," said Lt. Col. Alfranda Durr, Chief of the ARNG Office of Diversity, in welcoming attendees to Arlington Hall Station's observance of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM).
NDEAM is a national campaign that raises awareness about disability employment issues and celebrates the many and varied contributions of America's workers with disabilities.
The campaign, observed in October, recognizes that all Americans are entitled to an accessible workplace, a level playing field and the same privileges, pursuits and opportunities as any of their family, friends and neighbors.
On Oct. 1, President Barrack Obama proclaimed the start of NDEAM, citing recent improvements made in disability employment. In 2012, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) reported on the federal government's progress toward meeting the goal of hiring an additional 100,000 people with disabilities into the federal workforce over five years.
Today, more people with disabilities work for the federal government than at any time in the past 20 years. The government, including the Department of Defense and ARNG, is striving to make it easier to get and keep jobs by improving compliance with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act.
"The federal government has been and must continue to be a model of embracing diversity in every way," said the host of the event, Col. Jill K. Faris, deputy division chief-ARNG Surgeon's Office.
In line with ARNG Director Lt. Gen. William E. Ingram Jr.'s strategic imperatives, the organization will strive to "enhance the ARNG's core strengths, character and culture," including developing and sustaining the trust of Soldiers, families, employers and communities by living and emulating the Army values of loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and personal courage. Army and ARNG culture fosters positive environments that are free from abuse, harassment and discrimination.
Officers, enlisted Soldiers, civilians and contractors welcomed speaker Cynthia Parsons to Arlington Hall Station to hear her story of diversity and strength. As the primary caretaker for her son, Shane Parsons, she has seen firsthand the challenges of disability employment for wounded warriors. Shane suffered a severe anoxic brain injury and two cardiac arrests, and then underwent bilateral above-the-knee amputations. More than six years later, he continues to work on his speech, social skills, occupational and physical therapy and managing the effects of post-traumatic stress (PTS).
The earlier years of Shane's injury also placed enormous stress on his mother as his caretaker and she became a strong advocate for wounded warriors. She believes "the greatest casualty is being forgotten" and advocates that Soldiers, and their families, take advantage of the numerous resources available for employment.
Shane worked with a mentor daily for six months toward his dream of coaching football, and he is now an assistant coach at a junior high school.
Parsons, of Fostoria, Ohio, has seen the drastic improvement recent employment has made on her son's health. The kids on his team are amazed at Shane's abilities, despite his injury. "He's changed their lives as well as they've changed him," Parsons told the audience. In her moving presentation, she credited her son as her inspiration to "do more with life."
Throughout the month, similar NDEAM observances will be held throughout the ARNG's states and territories. All are encouraged to attend to be informed about the challenges those with disabilities face, particularly in finding and maintaining employment.
"We are a diverse people in diverse places," Lt. Col. Durr said. "You bring unique gifts and talents to our organization every day."