Beale raises awareness for National Disability Employment

  • Published
  • By SSgt. Jeffrey M. Schultze
  • 9th Reconnaissance WIng Public Affairs
Beale Air Force Base, Calif --  October brought the observance of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, and the objective of raising awareness about disability employment issues and to celebrate the distinct contributions of America's workers with disabilities.

Beale Air Force Base, California celebrated the observance with a Disability Education Fair that included a myriad of base organizations. The fair provided information and materials to members with disabilities and the Beale community at large.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month. The theme is "My Disability is One Part of Who I Am."

Master Sgt. Jennifer Flecker, 9th Physiological Support Squadron physiological technician, reflected on the importance of the fair. "One of the main purposes of the event is to bring awareness that people with disabilities aren't just civilians or spouses or dependents, it's also veterans. And it offers information on how we can help ourselves, especially after our military service. "

During his Presidential Proclamation, President of the United States Barack Obama acknowledged the challenges the nation faces. "Americans with disabilities make up almost one-fifth of our population, but are unemployed at a rate that is twice that of people without disabilities; and for women and minorities with disabilities, the rates are even higher.  Despite all they contribute to our society, people with disabilities still face discrimination by employers, limited access to skills training, and, too often, unfairly low expectations.  As a Nation, we must continue to promote inclusion in the workplace and to tear down the barriers that remain."

Beale raises awareness for National Disability Employment

  • Published
  • By SSgt. Jeffrey M. Schultze
  • 9th Reconnaissance WIng Public Affairs
Beale Air Force Base, Calif --  October brought the observance of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, and the objective of raising awareness about disability employment issues and to celebrate the distinct contributions of America's workers with disabilities.

Beale Air Force Base, California celebrated the observance with a Disability Education Fair that included a myriad of base organizations. The fair provided information and materials to members with disabilities and the Beale community at large.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month. The theme is "My Disability is One Part of Who I Am."

Master Sgt. Jennifer Flecker, 9th Physiological Support Squadron physiological technician, reflected on the importance of the fair. "One of the main purposes of the event is to bring awareness that people with disabilities aren't just civilians or spouses or dependents, it's also veterans. And it offers information on how we can help ourselves, especially after our military service. "

During his Presidential Proclamation, President of the United States Barack Obama acknowledged the challenges the nation faces. "Americans with disabilities make up almost one-fifth of our population, but are unemployed at a rate that is twice that of people without disabilities; and for women and minorities with disabilities, the rates are even higher.  Despite all they contribute to our society, people with disabilities still face discrimination by employers, limited access to skills training, and, too often, unfairly low expectations.  As a Nation, we must continue to promote inclusion in the workplace and to tear down the barriers that remain."