Keyport recognizing importance of hiring ‘America’s disabled heroes’

By RACHEL BRANT

Staff writer

Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) Division Keyport will celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month Tuesday, Nov. 27.

Marjorie A. James, president of Hire America’s Heroes and the Diversity Manager of Six Sigma Green Belt at Volt Technical Resources, will present a program entitled “Hire America’s Disabled Heroes” at 11:30 a.m. Nov. 27 at the Naval Undersea Museum Auditorium.

“She’s well known for her work,” said Diane Jennings, NUWC Division Keyport spokeswoman. “Her company is a leader in diversity hiring.”

Jennings said Keyport hosts annual events to recognize National Disability Employment Awareness Month, but they are focusing on disabled service members’ value and the technical knowledge and skills they lend to the workforce.

“We recognize that they have a lot of knowledge and ability in the workplace,” Jennings said.

The American Disabilities Act was signed in 1990 and this year’s National Disability Employment Awareness Month proclamation by President George W. Bush states the importance of continuing to expand the opportunities for Americans with disabilities “by eliminating the barriers and false perceptions that hinder them from joining the workforce.” Bush goes on to say that by providing disabled people access to jobs they will “demonstrate their potential and realize their dreams.”

Jennings said Capt. Jonathan Dowell, commander of NUWC Division Keyport, is focused on promoting diversity at Keyport and incorporating disabled service members into the command.

“Capt. Dowell is leading the charge on this,” Jennings said. “He has really promoted diversity in our command.”

The presentation is free and open to the public. A sign language interpreter will be available for the hearing impaired. Jennings said she hopes the event will raise awareness about disabled Americans in the workplace and attract more disabled service members to seek employment at Keyport.

“At this particular time, the command has an interest in disabled service members,” she said. “We’re hoping to attract more workers to Keyport who have a military background.”

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