WIESBADEN, Germany - "Physically challenged does not mean mentally challenged."
This was only one of many resounding remarks made by guest speaker Wanda Watson-Mays, U.S. Army Europe Affirmative Employment and Special Emphasis Program manager, during the U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden Disability Employment Awareness Month event in the Community Activity Center to encourage employment of disabled personnel.
Acknowledging the garrison's scarcity of disabled employees as a result of the unique operating situation, the deputy to the garrison commander welcomed the seasoned Equal Employment Opportunity manager to shed light on the subject.
"There is room for improvement. ... These are reasons, but not excuses," said Dr. Robert Kandler, mentioning that 78 percent of the garrison's employees are local national personnel.
Watson-Mays explored the theme, "Expectation Plus Opportunity Equals Full Participation," stressing the federal government's responsibility of being the example of a diversified work environment.
"Hiring a diverse workforce means hiring people with disabilities," she said quoting John Berry, director of the Office of Personnel Management. "We must do more than enact inclusive policies, we must actively recruit, develop, retain and promote a workforce that is drawn from and represents the diverse faces of this nation."
The human relations specialist acknowledged the difficulty of the task, pointing out that former attitudes and perceptions must first change in order to succeed in such an endeavor.
"Although the disabled have as many valid ideas and leadership abilities as the nondisabled, many able-bodied people are unable to look beyond the disability," said Watson-Mays. "We cannot lead where we won't go, and we cannot go where we have no idea of how to get there."
The certified mediator shared several tips toward inspiring a positive change on the way to employing disabled individuals.
"Take time to discover the true depth of a person's independence and avoid assumptions; if you work with someone who is differently able, learn to talk about it ... with sensitivity."
Watson-Mays encouraged organizations and leaders to reexamine their strategic vision for diversity, noting that a well-communicated and thorough understanding breeds success in the organization.
"Effective leaders set goals and determine direction, and then get employees engaged so that they can define for themselves what actions they will take individually to implement the vision," she said.
And while the points can serve as a guide along the way, Watson-Mays said it all begins with awareness.
"Developing a new understanding of working with persons with disabilities is a good first step in the maturation process. ... It provides clarity and insight about who you are and what you believe," she said.
Contact the garrison's Equal Employment Opportunity Office for more information about disability employment awareness.
Call mil 337-5610 or civ (0611) 705-5610 in Wiesbaden; mil 485-7450 or civ (06783) 6-7450 in Baumholder.
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