JOINT BASE ANDREWS Md. –
Swish! A basketball flew through the air and went through the net without hitting the rim. The sound of cheering parents, along with Team Andrews members and leadership echoed in the West Fitness Center as the Special Olympics Maryland Prince George County team played b-ball with Airmen from the 744th Communication Squadron, Oct. 31, in a National Disability Employment Awareness Month Sports Day event.
NDEAM is celebrated to raise awareness about disability employment issues and to celebrate the contributions of America's disabled workers.
"It is a great idea to have a month dedicated to increase disability awareness," Jim Estepp, Andrews Business and Community Alliance president, said. "There are a lot of people, young and old, with disabilities completely capable of performing a task just as anybody does. These are people that can do the job for you, and will be professional and dedicated.
"Anything that increases awareness and lets employers know they want to work and make an honest day's pay is good. They want and deserve the opportunity."
Some of the Special Olympics players are recent high school graduates and have found a position in the workforce.
Monet Gaskins and Nicole Bullock are two prime examples. Gaskins works at a supermarket and Bullock, a six-year Special Olympics b-ball vet, works in retail.
"The main problem I see is having other people recognize them as being equal," Melody Gaskins, Monet's mother, said. "They have the same ability to accomplish tasks, just on a different level."
Gaskins said people are just not aware of their abilities and can be blind to the fact they have to live the same lifestyle as everyone else.
"The more they become exposed to the workplace environment, the better it is for everyone. I think it's good to celebrate NDEAM."
Another parent in attendance said she agreed wholeheartedly.
"It's important to make the public aware they are able and capable," Cheryl Bullock, Nicole's mother, said. "You may have to train and intercede, but they can be self-sustaining if you provide them with the opportunity. Our kids want to be valuable members of society. They want to earn a pay check and take care of their basic needs just like everyone else."
The disabled players were able to showcase their skills and have a good time.
"I think the participants enjoyed themselves, which is key," Master Sgt. Joseph Carter, 744th Communications Squadron cyber support flight superintendent said. "Passersby see that people with different abilities are just as capable of playing basketball and many other things."
Patricia Miles, Special Olympics Md., PGC area director, said the event was a win-win.
"It's a great opportunity for us to make new friends and give the military personnel an opportunity to meet some of our fine athletes," Miles said. "We hope to build a strong community tie with the military so they can continue to support our athletes."
Several students with disabilities from Lanham, Md., DuVal High School participated and played ball with Airmen and Special Olympic team members too.
When community members like Miles, supportive parents, service members and business leaders unite to promote awareness, society can rebound from discrimination and move forward.
"Whether it's sports, work-related or interacting with the military, awareness and acceptance is the biggest concern," Bullock said. "Just accept them for who they are."
For more information on the Special Olympics of Maryland Prince George County, visit http://www.eteamz.com/somdpgc/.