(NNPA)–It’s been 10 years since Shani Watson lost her ability to walk after being involved in a car crash. In the aftermath, Watson who had been on duty that fateful October night as a police officer for the Prince George’s County Police Department, has faced numerous obstacles on her path to recovery.
Today, the effervescent graduate of Eastern Senior High School in the District — who’s paralyzed from the waist down — not only wears the crown as Ms. Wheelchair Maryland 2014, but works to encourage others with disabilities. In doing so, she reminds them that regardless of their circumstances, they can still make invaluable contributions to society.
“I love going out and speaking to people about their disabilities [and] inspiring and motivating them to do what they love,” said the native Washingtonian, who stresses the importance of self-love and embracing one’s imperfections. “Sometimes we just need to hear [words of encouragement] from someone else.”
Her schedule will be busier than ever — particularly in the coming weeks as she joins Prince George’s County Executive Rushern Baker, officials from the county’s Department of Family Services (DFS) and social services personnel across the country in recognition of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), which is recognized each fall.
During the annual awareness campaign that takes place in October, Baker and other local public officials are taking time to participate in a variety of events which also celebrate the contributions American workers with disabilities make in their respective communities.
“A strong workforce is an inclusive workforce,” Baker said. “Every October, we renew our focus on improving opportunities and career pathways that lead to productive jobs and sustainable economic futures for individuals with disabilities.”
NDEAM, first established in 1945 by Congress, began as “National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week.” But in 1962, in an effort to acknowledge the employment needs and contributions of people with various disabilities, the titled removed the word “physically.” Years later in 1988, Congress expanded the week by changing the title to “National Disability Employment Awareness Month.”
“The Department of Family Services is proud to be a part of this year’s National Disability Employment Awareness Month,” said Theresa Grant, DFS acting director. “Every year we look forward to saying thank you and recognizing those who have made special contributions to the disability community.”
Baker recently awarded a proclamation to Watson, who has worked for the county since 1996. Having earned a management degree in 2001 from the University of Phoenix, she’s currently employed as an information technology manager.
Watson, who won the 43rd annual Ms. Wheelchair Maryland pageant in November, has entered the competition for Ms. Wheelchair America, and remains committed to her work as an advocate for everyone with disabilities.
In addition to hosting fundraisers, Watson, 39, educates residents, business owners and organizations in the Prince George’s community about accessibility and inclusion for those with disabilities.
“My platform [has been] inclusion through accessibility,” Watson said this summer after receiving the county’s proclamation. “Accessibility is the elimination of barriers which could be high countertops, stairways and narrow passageways,” she said. “And inclusion is being able to be involved in whatever activities or services that [people with disabilities] desire.”
Meanwhile, in accordance with the proclamation President Obama issued in late September, officials at the U.S. Labor Department whose efforts center of the theme, “Expect. Employ. Empower,” have been encouraging businesses to help people with disabilities in obtaining gainful employment.
“This year’s theme, “Expect. Employ. Empower,” reminds us that every American has a right to dignity, respect and a fair shot at success in the workplace,” Obama said. “For too long, workers with disabilities were measured by what people thought they could not do, depriving our nation and economy of the full talents and contributions of millions of Americans.
“When employees with disabilities are passed over in the workplace or denied fair accommodations, it limits their potential and threatens our democracy; when disproportionate numbers of Americans with disabilities remain unemployed, more work must be done to achieve the spirit of what is one of the most comprehensive civil rights bills in the history of our country,” Obama said.
Special to the NNPA from the St. Louis American
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