| Hiring the disabled, a winning proposition
By Beatrice Bernfeld, EEO Specialist, Office of Equal Employment Opportunity |
October is designated as Disability Employment Awareness Month. This year's theme is "You're Hired! Success Knows No Limitations!" The theme urges us to consider how we can actively improve employment opportunities for qualified people with disabilities. Passage of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as well as improvements in medicine and assistive technology like voice-recognition computer software, have dramatically broadened educational and career opportunities for people with physical or mental impairments, including many U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) employees.John Quealy, CBP Area Port Director for Charlotte, N.C., recently spoke about one of his most exceptional employees, Wilbert Jones. Having limited use of his legs, Wil has to strategically plan for assignments that others may consider routine. He has worked for the federal government for 17 years, starting in an entry-level clerical position with the Department of Agriculture and coming to the U.S. Customs Service, now CBP, 14 years ago. Wil was recently promoted to Import Specialist team leader. “Wil sets the bar pretty high for the staff here. He has a can-do attitude. He extends himself, and his abilities to do the job are quite remarkable,” said Quealy. Wil believes the word “disabled” is a not a good descriptor for him. “It places emphasis on the fact that you are unable to do something first – the ‘disabled’ thing. I may do things a little differently than someone else, but I do a job effectively, as well or even better than someone without a physical condition, ” he commented recently. Those who have worked with Wil identify him by the characteristics that have contributed to his success: his discipline, integrity, pride in a job well done, conscientious attitude, and good sense of humor. The talents and skills he brings to the job of Import Specialist Team Leader are critical to achieving CBP’s mission.Modern technology has revolutionized the ways in which we perform our jobs, learn new skills and conduct everyday activities. Word processors, portable computers, cellular phones, two-way pagers, the internet—these advances have not only improved workplace efficiency, but have created opportunities for people with disabilities to enter the workforce in greater numbers. Technology allows CBP employees with disabilities, like Wil Jones, to contribute to CBP’s mission.Secretary Ridge has made a strong commitment to improving employment opportunities for people with disabilities in the Department of Homeland Security workforce, and CBP shares his commitment. During October, CBP components nationwide will commemorate Disability Employment Awareness Month. Please contact your local EEO officers for local program details. For more information regarding the National Disability Employment Program, please contact Beatrice Bernfeld, Equal Opportunity Specialist, at Beatrice.Bernfeld@dhs.gov |
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