Press Releases
- 07-24-2008Craney Island Mosquito Spraying July 27
- 07-22-2008Corps, NOAA Deploy 'Smart Buoy' in Chesapeake Bay
- 07-16-2008Lake Drummond Reservation reopens; Dismal Swamp Canal to reduce lock openings to 2 per day
- 06-13-2008Lake Drummond, Reservation temporarily closes due to wildfire threat
- 06-02-2008FNOD Advisory Board Meeting
News
District Raises Awareness for National Disability Employment
October 23, 2008
By Brittany Brown
Norfolk District Public Affairs
FORT NORFOLK, Va. — In recognition of the nation's talented Americans with disabilities, the Norfolk District celebrated National Disability Employment Awareness Month on October 22, 2008 with a presentation by Patty L. Gilbertson. Gilbertson currently serves as the Senior Director of Planning and Marketing for the Newport News Community Services Board.
Gilbertson's presentation included information about mental, developmental and intellectual disabilities such as Autism, Soldier's Heart, depression and substance abuse. Gilbertson noted that at some point in their lifetime, nearly 30 million or one in ten families are affected by a person with intellectual disabilities. She left attendees with a list of ways to recognize the talents, skills, and dedication of disabled Americans who are a vital part of our workforce. Gilbertson encouraged attendees to increase awareness of disabilities, eliminate barriers, treat people with disabilities as equals and refrain from using negative words to describe disabled people.
In her closing remarks remarks, acting deputy commander Cheryl Fromme discussed the importance of the mental and physical health of district employees stating that, "Norfolk District has a huge workload right now, but the mental and physical health of our employees is just as, if not more, important as our many projects."
This October marks the 61st year that our country celebrates employment opportunities for people with disabilities.