Month honors disabled citizens

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Sarah Sanchez
  • 60th Logistics Readiness Squadron
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  October is National Disabilities Employment Awareness Month; this year's theme is "Because We Are All Equal to the Task."

Recognizing disabilities dates back to 1945 when Congress enacted Public Law 176, this declared the first week of October to be National Employ the Physical Handicapped Week. In 1962, the word physical was removed from the title since not all individuals with disabilities have physical disabilities. It was also removed to acknowledge employment for all individuals with disabilities, not just the physical type. In 1988, Congress expanded the week to the entire month of October and changed the name to National Disability Employment Awareness Month. The United States was the first nation to declare equality for its citizens with disabilities.

How do you know you do not work with someone who has a disability? Disabilities are not always visible, in fact there are three types of disabilities: visible, invisible and targeted.

Visible disabilities can be but are not limited to missing extremities and distortion of limbs.

Invisible disabilities are conditions such as heart disease, arthritis and mental illnesses.

Targeted disabilities can be, but are not limited to, deafness, blindness, convulsive disorder, and intellectual disabilities.

Disability falls under the civilian workforce's protective category. Individuals with disabilities who feel discriminated against can file a complaint through the Equal Opportunity Office on Travis.

Anyone at any time can become disabled, which makes it the only minority group individuals can become a member of at any time in their lives. It is a common belief that it could never happen to me, but the truth is members of our military are wounded every day, not only overseas but also stateside. The reality is disabilities are not always things we see coming. Anyone could go to bed hearing fine one day and wake up deaf the next.

We all need to come together and challenge each other to recognize the importance of this month. Intervene when jokes and gestures are said that could offend individuals who have disabilities. We should continue to welcome the talents of individuals with disabilities.

At Travis we have civilians and military alike with disabilities working side by side every day to ensure the mission is accomplished. Let us all come together and celebrate the great contributions of individuals with disabilities.