Overton Brooks VA Medical Center Director George M. Moore Jr. (left) presents certificate of appreciation to James DeBerry (Photo: WFO Shreveport)
(November 18, 2008) - Shreveport, La. forecast office Meteorologist James DeBerry was the keynote speaker at the National Disabilities Employment Awareness Month conference at the Overton Brooks VA Medical Center in Shreveport last month. A former member of the U.S. Army's famed 82nd Airborne Division, DeBerry spoke to fellow veterans and hospital staff about the way he copes with the challenges stuttering has presented in his career and daily life.
The conference was one of many nationwide activities held during October to highlight the specific employment barriers that still need to be addressed and removed. This effort to educate the American public about issues related to disability and employment began in 1945, when Congress enacted a law declaring the first week in October each year as "National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week."
In 1962, the word "physically" was removed to acknowledge the employment needs and contributions of individuals with all types of disabilities. In 1988, Congress expanded the week to a month and changed the name to "National Disability Employment Awareness Month."
In addition to the disability awareness presentation, DeBerry has also presented at both the 2007 and 2008 Regional Diversity Conferences hosted by the forecast office in Shreveport. The focus of those conferences centered on providing "real world diversity training" that requires people to look more closely at everyday cultural and generational challenges.
Topics included a look at how to work with the different generations in the workplace; reasons why diversity initiatives fail; how employees have overcome a range of challenges, such as stuttering; the ever changing workplace with new technologies; and, the expansion of diversity programs beyond women and minorities.
Southern Region Director Bill Proenza opened the 2008 diversity conference by welcoming the attendees and addressing the National Weather Service commitment to diversity in the workplace.
