WORKFORCE
accommodation is all about removing barriers.”
explained. “Te goal is to accommodate the needs of people with disabilities to ‘level the playing field’—not to provide unfair advantage.”
Supervisors and managers can help improve workplace culture by modeling inclusive behaviors, by addressing stereotypes, stigmas and myths and by increasing awareness. “Normalizing disabili- ties and accommodations and providing a respectful, supportive environment for everyone can help remove stigma associated with disabilities,” Salak explained.
Currently, Salak said the Army supports its employees with disabilities in several ways: Te reasonable accommodation program; objectives and tasks outlined in the Civilian Imple- mentation Plan that increase opportunities for people with disabilities; initiating employee resource groups; special hiring authorities for people with disabilities; and the Veteran Appoint- ment Authority for veterans rated at 30% or more disability.
In addition, the Army encourages civilian employees to volun- tarily update their disability status using the Defense Civilian Personnel Data System MyBiz+self-service portal. Tis helps not just employees with disabilities but also the larger Army mission. “Accurate data supports decisions regarding resources and programs to employ and retain talented workers with disabil- ities,” she explained.
CONCLUSION “Te disability community is an often-untapped community of talented individuals who want to work and serve our nation,” Salak said. “Te Army welcomes them and supports them with a robust reasonable accommodation program providing the tools individuals need to accomplish the mission.”
Reasonable accommodations can alleviate not only physical stress but also mental stress in those that need them, providing physi- cal ease and inclusivity. If you feel that an accommodation may benefit you, talk to your supervisor—and achieve a better work- life balance.
“Reasonable
RAISING AWARENESS
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Buffalo District, marked National Disability Employment Opportunity Month in October 2023 by wearing the various colors representing disabilities. The month raises awareness for those with disabilities having an equal opportunity for employment and advancement, and steps that organizations can take to support those with disabilities. (Photo by Ryan Campbell, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Buffalo District)
For more information about reasonable accommodations, go to
https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/disability- employment/reasonable-accommodations/.
JACQUELINE M. HAMES is the senior editor at Army AL&T magazine. She holds a B.A. in creative writing from Christopher Newport University. She has more than 15 years of experience writing and editing news and feature articles for publication.
https://
asc.ar my.mil
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