GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Goodfellow hosted an information fair for National Disability Employment Awareness Month at the event center here Oct. 21. The event celebrated individuals with disabilities and their contribution to the workforce.
Organizations on and off base provided demonstrations and spoke on programs available. Around the room, booths were set up by the Airman and Family Readiness Center, Texas Workforce Solutions – Vocational Rehabilitation, San Antonio Lighthouse for the Blind, and a representative from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Some booths had hands-on demonstrations to simulate vision loss, tinnitus and loss of motor skills.
Senior Master Sgt. Angel McKenzie, 17th Communications Squadron flight chief of operations, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2003, assisted with the event. McKenzie spoke on multiple disabilities providing insight into the life of someone living with this disease.
“This is actually very near and dear to me,” said McKenzie. “I want people to see that nobody’s disability is the same, and being able to show empathy and patience to let people be who they are is important. Just like I had to figure out how I was going to make it through, they have to do the exact same thing. Being able to show that empathy and caring for people is a big thing.”
Don’t set limitations on unlimited potential is the motto for NDEAM, and McKenzie’s previous supervisor, Director of Plans and Resources with 17th Communications Squadron, Larry Stewart, spoke on her job performance.
“If she hadn’t already told me about her disability, I wouldn’t have known that she had any kind of limitations at all,” said Stewart. “She had done excellent work. I saw no limitations with her and her job.”
McKenzie shared some advice to help others better understand their coworkers with disabilities.
“Try to understand, understand that you won’t be able to see everything or understand everything, but allow them to come to you. Listen to them and take in their information, don’t judge them and show them compassion.”