Fort Belvoir, Va. (Oct. 16, 2014) - Members of the Fort Belvoir community learned the importance of recognizing accomplishments made by men and women with disabilities during the Belvoir Equal Employment Opportunity office's National Disability Employment Awareness Month celebration at the Community Center, Thursday.
This year's theme is "Expect. Employ. Empower," which underscores the importance of diversity in recognizing all individuals with disabilities and the shared sacrifices and contributions they've made to society.
"Their knowledge, talent and skills promote the spirit of equality to a new generation of Americans as we emerge into the 21st century," said Dr. Carey Williams, EEO, specialist.
The event included remarks from Williams; guest Michael D. Aronin, comedian and motivational speaker; and Fort Belvoir Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Scott E. Guillory.
Williams discussed the impact the Americans with Disabilities Act has had in ensuring disabled citizens receive a fair chance when seeking employment.
"The bill provided full participation, independent living, and economic self-sufficiency for those of us living with disabilities and also provided Americans with disabilities with legal remedies to safeguard all of those rights," said Williams.
In 2008, the Office of Disability Employment Policy sponsored the addition of new questions to the monthly Current Population survey to gauge the employment status of people with disabilities. This allowed for consistent information about the number of disabled employees in the workforce.
"This historic achievement was the outcome of a close collaboration with (Department of Labor's) Bureau of Labor Statistics, several other federal agencies, disability experts and advocates," said Williams. "Today, this information is updated monthly, providing citizens and policymakers with reliable and accurate information on a topic of importance to America's workforce and economy."
Aronin has suffered from cerebral palsy since birth. He has used humor throughout his life to deal with the disability and ease the apprehension of working with a disabled staff member.
"My parents taught me humor so I would not feel sorry for myself," said Aronin. "Using humor has allowed me to get over the hump."
While an undergraduate at Town State University, Aronin was elected president of the Student Government Association. His outstanding efforts have been recognized by such prominent media as ABC-TV, CBS-TV, NBC-TV, The Baltimore Sun and The Baltimore Business Journal. He feels his story can help other disabled citizens and Service members realize they can still accomplish the goals they have for themselves.
"I do what I do because of people who have helped me," said Aronin.
Aronin's use of humor resonates with Darrin Denson, Belvoir Civilian Personnel Advisory Center, human resources assistant. Denson is a 100 percent disabled veteran who suffers from traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder. Humor has allowed Denson to cope with his injuries.
"I was hit with an Improvised Explosive Device," said Denson. "I lost my best friend which caused me to lose a lot of my faith. I swore off people in my Family and began drinking. But, having humor has helped me heal and allowed me to find my faith again."
Denson said humor helps him keep his temper in check on a daily basis. He also appreciates Aronin's efforts because it proves that disabled citizens can continue to contribute to society.
"Just because we are down doesn't mean we are out," said Denson. "We can still contribute."
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