JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- Increasing access and opportunity for individuals with disabilities in the workforce was the topic of a Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) Lakehurst virtual event Oct. 22.
The NAWCAD Lakehurst Individuals with Disabilities Action Team (IWDAT) and the Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Diversity Division co-sponsored the event in recognition of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). Each October, NDEAM celebrates America’s workers with disabilities and reminds employers of the importance of inclusive hiring practices.
NAWCAD Lakehurst Officer In Charge Cmdr. Walter A. Reynolds was one of the opening speakers. He referenced that this is the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
“Here at Lakehurst we pride ourselves on using innovative technology and reasonable accommodations and other tools to maintain an inclusive environment for everyone,” Reynolds said. “Including all individuals with a disability.”
Guest speaker was Billy Wright, national employment coordinator Department of Veterans Affairs/Central Office and U.S. Marine Corps. Veteran, who has 18 years of experience working with various disability organizations.
Wright was injured in a car accident in 1985 that left him paralyzed from the waist down. He spoke of his personal experience with finding and securing employment after leaving the Marine Corps.
Early attempts at attaining a job were unsuccessful, but a job opportunity with the Naval Research Laboratory gave him the confidence boost he needed.
“I’ve learned eventually opportunities will come but first you have to learn to be happy for others when they succeed,” Wright said.
He stressed making positive connections, attending job fairs, reaching out to people to help increase your employment opportunities and most importantly learn to forgive.
“Life is an emotional bank account. You can either make a deposit and lift someone up, or you can make a withdrawal and take someone down,” Wright said.
Wright referenced his mother who told him, “You can never go wrong by treating people right.”
Reynolds thanked Wright for his service and participation in the NDEAM event, and presented him with a letter of appreciation signed by Kathleen P. Donnelly, executive director for NAWCAD Lakehurst.
As part of the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) Diversity and Inclusion program, IWDAT’s mission is to support the recruitment, retention, professional development and advancement of individuals with disabilities, including wounded warriors and individuals with targeted disabilities.