Maxwell celebrates National Disability Employment Awareness Month Published Oct. 13, 2015 By Dr. Robert Kane AU/HO MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- To raise awareness about disability employment issues and to celebrate the many and varied contributions of America's workers with disabilities, the U.S. Congress, in 1988, established October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Its roots lay with the 1945 law enacted by Congress that declared the first week in October as National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week. A committee, chaired by Maj. Deborah Miller from the Jeanne M. Holm Center for Officer Accessions and Citizen Development, is developing the NDEAM program for Maxwell to be presented on Oct. 28, 2015, 2 - 3:30 p.m., in the student lounge of the Squadron Officer College. Anna Taylor, business consultant for the State of Alabama Rehabilitation Services, will conduct workstations where people can learn more about disabilities and how to accommodate them in the workplace. Kirk Shablow from the 42nd Force Support Squadron will discuss employee and employer perspectives on disabled workers in the civilian workforce at Maxwell. Lastly, the seminar will have a display from the Special Olympics and video interviews of disabled Maxwell employees that highlight their successes in the workplace. "The mission here at Maxwell could not be done without the contributions from our team members who are living with disabilities," noted Col. Andrea Tullos, 42nd Air Base Wing commander. "They bring an unbelievable range of talents and expertise to our units, and while they may have challenges they overcome daily, many of us would never know because we simply see the positive results of their hard work and perseverance." In 1962, Congress removed the word "physically" to recognize the employment needs and contributions of individuals with all types of disabilities. Later, Congress changed the word "handicapped" to "disability" since that word implies a social stigma. The theme for 2015 is "My Disability is One Part of Who I Am." "This year's theme encapsulates the important message that people with disabilities are just that - people," noted Jennifer Sheehy, acting assistant secretary of labor for Disability Employment Policy. "And like all people, we are the sum of many parts, including our work experiences. Disability is an important perspective we bring to the table, but, of course, it's not the only one." One dictionary defines the word disability as "a physical or mental condition that limits a person's movements, senses, or activities." In the not-too-distant past, many people believed that God was punishing a person who had a disability or that person's parents for some sin. Families often hid their disabled family members from their friends or placed them in institutions. Today, most people know that people with disabilities are not under divine punishment, and, more importantly, that they can be as productive, competent and functioning as people without a disability. Throughout history, there are numerous people who performed well despite their disability. For example, the English poet and author John Milton composed "Paradise Lost," perhaps his most well-known work, after he lost his eyesight by 1654. The great German Romantic composer Ludwig van Beethoven continued to compose music years after he lost his hearing in 1802. Most Americans are very familiar with Helen Keller who despite her hearing, sight and speaking impairments became an author and lecturer known by many world leaders of the 1900s. British pilot Douglas Bader lost both his legs in an aircraft accident in 1931 but still became a Royal Air Force ace in the early years of World War II until he was shot down in 1941 and became a prisoner of war. Most recently, many viewers of the television show "Dancing with the Stars" received inspiration from actress, model and world-class snowboarder Amy Purdy, who lost her legs at age 19, and former U.S. Army soldier Noah Galloway, who lost most of his left arm and left leg to an improvised explosive device in Iraq in 2005, when they finished second and third, respectively, in their dance competitions. Tullos summarized, "It's important that we see beyond their disabilities - they're serving our nation alongside us, and this month's celebration gives us the opportunity to thank them for their contributions."