Awareness month recognizes service members with disabilities

OKINAWA, JAPAN

10.10.2012

Courtesy Story

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

OKINAWA, Japan - Living with a disability can be a challenge for service members, a challenge that can be greatly intensified when they transition from the active ranks to the civilian sector.

National disability employment awareness month, which began Oct. 1, focuses on raising awareness of the employment challenges individuals living with disabilities face.

“This month puts the issues of employees living with disabilities up front,” said Master Gunnery Sgt. Rafika O. Vann, the equal opportunity adviser with III Marine Expeditionary Force. “It educates us on topics we normally would not be familiar with.”

National disability employment awareness month was first officially recognized by the U.S. congress in 1945. The annual awareness initiative was originally observed during the first week of October and was expanded to an entire month in 1988.

The month not only brings attention to the issues of those with disabilities, but also contributes to mission readiness within the Marine Corps.

Resources such as the Wounded Warrior Regiment allow service members who are currently living with disabilities to get the care they need in order to return to the operational forces.

“Our mission depends on our ability to care for one another,” said Vann. “We need to place people in positions where they can understand each other. These individuals want to get back in the fight.”

The Wounded Warrior Regiment distributes care to injured Marines, as well as their families. The program helps with a smooth transition back to duty or to civilian life.

“The Wounded Warrior Regiment allows Marines to get the care they need and still serve,” said Vann. “The Marines in this program have a lot to offer. When you interact with them, you realize the strength and courage they have and how it is beyond anything many of us have ever seen.”

In addition to the Wounded Warrior Regiment, there are several other initiatives dedicated to helping service members living with disabilities.

“There are many programs that help our workers … whether (the service members are) pending transition from the armed forces or in the application phase of employment and job search,” said Susan L. Moyer, an equal opportunity specialist with Marine Corps Base Camp Butler. “Such beneficial programs include the program for people with disabilities.”

The program for people with disabilities is designed to increase awareness of people with disabilities working in fields involving science, mathematics, engineering and technology education.
National disability employment awareness month was put in place to educate the public about the challenges those living with mental or physical disabilities face and helps raise awareness of important issues that affect mission readiness.

“If we cannot come together, then ultimately we are sacrificing the mission,” said Vann.

III MEF will host a national disability employment awareness month observance at the Palms at Camp Hansen Oct. 23 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

• Date Taken: 10.10.2012
• Date Posted: 10.11.2012 00:51
• Story ID: 95968
• Location: OKINAWA, JP