CECOM provides ‘Access to Good Jobs for All’

ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. — National Disability Employment Awareness Month is observed annually every October. This event brings attention to the U.S. government’s promise of equal opportunity for all citizens and pays tribute to all persons with disabilities who contribute or wish to contribute to the nation’s strong economy. The U.S. Department of Labor’s theme for this year is “Access to Good Jobs for All.” This theme reflects U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command’s commitment to diversifying its workforce to better support the warfighter.

The American Community Survey in the 2023 census claims that 7% of the American workforce has a disability, compared to the CECOM workforce, with 14% reporting a disability and 10% wishing to not identify.

Almost everyone is likely to experience some form of disability in their life, either temporary or permanent. But what classifies as a disability? According to Army Regulation 690-12, a disability is “a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.” Major life activities include but are not limited to caring for oneself, operating major bodily functions, performing manual tasks, walking, standing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, and working.

The year 2024 marks the 25th anniversary of the most important Supreme Court case for the civil rights of people with disabilities. Olmstead v. L.C. was the key decision to expand the Americans with Disabilities Act and bolster the independent living movement. This ruling specified that individuals with disabilities had the right to receive treatment in integrated settings if they choose, with their doctor’s approval, and provided the reasonable accommodation. This case allowed the disabled community greater autonomy and freedom from discrimination.

Equity at CECOM

The CECOM Equal Employment Opportunity Office serves as a pillar of support to the disabled community. They advise the commanding general, commanders, and senior leaders on all things EEO. They develop EEO policies and implement programs to assist leadership in meeting program objectives. The CECOM EEO Office also ensures compliance with governing EEO statutes and regulations through program oversight and evaluation.

Through CECOM’s EEO Office, employees can request reasonable accommodations. Common accommodations include permitting the use of service dogs, providing materials in alternative formats like Braille or large print, offering accessible parking, providing assistive hardware and software, communications equipment, specially designed furniture, and offering telework beyond what is provided by the collective bargaining agreement or workplace agreements.

The office is also responsible for conducting building assessments on CECOM structures to ensure they comply with ADA guidelines. They routinely engage with G1 for hiring to ensure CECOM reflects a diverse workforce.

“One of our priorities and primary goals is having an inclusive workspace,” said EEO Specialist Jamie Gallentine. “CECOM aspires to be a world-class team of experts providing combat power for the joint forces. Part of that world-class team is including the individuals with disabilities population. That is how we are going to attract, develop, and maintain a diverse, agile, and highly skilled workforce. Ideally, we are drawing from all segments of society to do that.”

For free and confidential consultations on workplace accommodation solutions, visit https://askjan.org/index.cfm.

For more information about EEO, please visit https://armyeitaas.sharepoint-mil.us/sites/CECOM-EEO/SitePages/Home.aspx.