The 2019 Theme for National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) is “The Right Talent, Right Now.” According to the Office of Disability Employment Policy, the 2019 theme emphasizes the essential role that people with disabilities play in America's economic success, especially in an era when historically low unemployment and global competition are creating a high demand for skilled talent. ()
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- The 2019 Theme for National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) is “The Right Talent, Right Now.”
According to the Office of Disability Employment Policy, the 2019 theme emphasizes the essential role that people with disabilities play in America's economic success, especially in an era when historically low unemployment and global competition are creating a high demand for skilled talent.
Observed every October, NDEAM celebrates the contributions of workers with disabilities and educates about the value of a workforce inclusive of their skills and talents.
“When I entered the Air Force in December 2009, I thought I was leaving the civilian world behind,” said Tech. Sgt. Casey Pearce, 718th Force Support Squadron NCO in charge of postal operations. “The fitness center director at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Montana, at the time was civilian, but I had no idea of the big Air Force picture. It wasn’t until I got to my next base in New Mexico that I learned how big of a role our civilian and contractor counterparts play within the Department of Defense and specifically in the Air Force.”
The components of the USAF alone show just how important each provides different skills and contributions to the world’s greatest Air Force, Pearce continued.
As of September 30, 2019, there were nearly 145,000 civilian employees in the United States Air Force.
“I began to work at the dining facility in April 2011,” Pearce explained. “I immediately began working in the kitchen with other Air Force personnel and some civilian contractors. The Air Force had a contract with a local agency. The company is a community-based non-profit organization dedicated to providing comprehensive programs and services that support the challenges and continually evolving goals of families and clients facing developmental delays and intellectual and physical disabilities. This organization promotes self-sufficiency, community inclusion, positive experiences, and individual growth throughout all stages of life.”
“I was lucky enough to work alongside Tommy, April, Kelly, and countless other disabled members, he continued. “As we move through October, I think of my friends and former colleagues often. It’s important that Airmen understand their role in fostering an inclusive workplace culture. We work alongside so many different people that we must respect each other’s differences and place value in the contribution that everyone makes to the mission.”
After all, there is no I in TEAM.
