III Corps and Fort Hood’s EEO Office holds Assistive Technology Fair

Photo By Sgt. Jordan Johnson | Kevin Brown (seated), occupational therapy assistant, Warrior Transition Brigade, displays the different technologies available to disabled government employees during the Assistive Technology Fair at the III Corps Headquarters Oct. 19. The fair was used to raise awareness of the technology and services available to disabled government employees. The III Corps and Fort Hood Equal Employment Opportunity Office scheduled the fair to coincide with National Disability Awareness Month.  

FORT HOOD, TX, UNITED STATES

10.18.2012

Story by Sgt. Jordan Johnson 

13th Public Affairs Detachment

FORT HOOD, Texas - III Corps and Fort Hood’s Equal Employment Opportunity Office employees held an Assistive Technology Fair at the III Corps Headquarters Oct. 19.

The fair, held during National Disability Awareness Month, was designed to showcase the different technologies and resources available for individuals with disabilities in the workforce.

“This event was held to educate the public, and people with disabilities, about what is available, including services and technology,” said Harry Wilson, management assistant to the assistant Chief of Staff, Resource Management and Cost Analysis Division at III Corps HQ. “This is a nice program to have, so people can become aware of what’s out there.”

Wilson, a disabled employee himself, said there were a couple products in particular he was looking forward to seeing.

“The Echo; it takes notes for you,” said Wilson. “It transfers them to a script for you, and also to your computer. They also have some special keyboards that are nice for helping with the work environment.”

The Echo, which records audio, and then transcribes the words to written notes, was one of numerous tools available to assist physically-disabled employees. However, the fair also brought awareness to mental disabilities as well, said Kevin Brown, occupational therapy assistant, Warrior Transition Brigade.

“We’re here today to display the stuff we offer the wounded warriors coming back from combat,” Brown said. “We have some technology to help them in their recovery from injuries such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and stress-related anxiety.”

One of the technological devices offered to the wounded soldiers is an iPod Touch. Apple’s device offers many services to service members, Brown said.

“We give these to the soldiers to help them with memory, remembering their appointments, setting agendas and keeping track of finances,” stated Brown. “We also have apps they can download to help them with PTSD and traumatic brain injury. There are several apps on here and they are free.”

The iPods are offered through the Computer/Electronic Accommodations Program, which is just one of the tools used to better the lives of disabled workers. By informing soldiers of the programs available, Brown is happy to give wounded warriors opportunities he never had.

“I’m still a soldier; I just don’t wear the uniform anymore,” Brown, an Army veteran, said. “It feels good to be able to help out the guys. I wish, when I was in, we had a Warrior Transition Unit. We didn’t have the opportunities to get the technology and assistance they are able to get now.”

The overall goal of the fair was to bring awareness to the different products and services offered throughout post. The organizations designed to help disabled individuals, such as the WTUs, are here to stay, Brown said.

“We’ve been up and running since 2008,” stated Brown. “I don’t think we are going anywhere any time soon. We are going to be around for a while.”

• Date Taken: 10.18.2012
• Date Posted: 10.23.2012 12:47
• Story ID: 96621
• Location: FORT HOOD, TX, US