MICC hosts disability employment awareness event

By Ryan Mattox, Mission and Installation Contracting Command Public Affairs OfficeOctober 16, 2014

MICC hosts disability employment awareness event
Jerry Kerr talks to audience members Oct. 15 at the National Disability Employment Awareness Month on Joint Base San Antonio Fort Sam Houston, Texas. Kerr, president and co-founder of Segs4Vets, was the guest speaker at the event. Kerr's group provid... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas (Oct. 15, 2014) -- More than 100 members of the San Antonio community attended a National Disability Employment Awareness Month recognizing the contributions of Americans with disabilities to the military community Oct. 15 here.

The Mission and Installation Contracting Command served as host for the Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, Texas, event.

"We all have a role in -- and benefit to gain from -- advancing equality for people with disabilities in all sectors of society, including increasing opportunities for meaningful employment for all people with disabilities," said George Cabaniss, the deputy to the commanding general of the MICC, during opening remarks at the ceremony.

Jerry Kerr, president and co-founder of Segs4Vets, was the guest speaker for this year's event.

"Today, we have a new paradigm, but for employers to cash in on this they have to be prepared to slay sacred cows, be innovative, develop new policies and be willing to invest in the technology that will empower their employees," Kerr said. "Those who are willing to take a risk, to invest in the technology that will open the gates and allow those with disabilities who have been locked out to now participate, will reap enormous rewards."

Kerr's group provides veterans with a universally designed mobility device assist veterans with mobility issues.

The purpose of National Disability Employment Awareness Month is to educate the public about disability employment issues and celebrate the many and varied contributions of America's workers with disabilities.

The history of National Disability Employment Awareness Month traces back to 1945, when Congress enacted a law declaring the first week in October each year National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week. In 1962, the word "physically" was removed to acknowledge the employment needs and contributions of individuals with all types of disabilities. In 1988, Congress expanded the week to a month and changed the name to National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

This year's National Disability Employment Awareness Month theme is "Expect. Employ. Empower."

This year's theme encapsulates the role we play in increasing employment opportunities for people with disabilities into three powerful words. It conveys that advancing disability employment is about much more than just hiring. It's about creating a continuum of inclusion. And the first step on this continuum is expectation, said Kathy Martinez, assistant secretary of labor for disability employment policy.

Related Links:

Mission and Installation Contracting Command

Stand-To! Senior leaders message

Office of Disability Employment Policy

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