Keynote speaker Fishers Fire Lt. Brandon Anderson shares tragedy to hope & employment testimony
The Westfield Mayor’s Council on Disabilities (WMCD) welcomes Lieutenant Brandon Anderson of the Fishers Fire Department to kick off its first National Disability Employment Awareness event from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 25 at the Grand Park Event Center.
In 2017, Lt. Anderson became an amputee after a motorcycle accident. He will share his story of tragedy to hope and his positive outlook on his new life as a disabled man and talk about how he managed to maintain his position as a firefighter.
“I never realized the struggles that individuals with disabilities have to deal with daily until I became disabled,” Anderson said. “From dressing and bathing, reworking your home or place of employment with the necessary accommodations and modifications, accessing restaurants and buildings that are accessible to receiving equal opportunities … it has ALL be a huge wake-up call. By sharing my story, I hope communities will better understand all the issues, like employment, that impact the disability population.”
Vocational Rehabilitation will highlight supported employment services, pre-employment transition services, and transition programs available in Indiana. Best Buddies will provide an overview of their job placement program. Westfield Washington Schools Shamrock Project will discuss the transition program open to students aged 18 to 22. The event ends with success stories from employees and employers from Westfield and surrounding cities.
“The Westfield Mayor’s Council on Disabilities mission is to make a positive impact in the lives of people with disabilities in Westfield and hope that this National Disability Employment event provides insight to resources and programming available to those searching for meaningful employment,” Mayor Andy Cook said. “Here in Westfield, I proclaim the month of October as Disability Employment month to recognize the need for quality employment opportunities for all individuals in our community.”
The history of National Disability Employment Awareness Month traces back to 1945 when Congress enacted a law declaring the first week in October each year “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.
About the Westfield Mayor’s Council on Disabilities
The Westfield Mayor’s Council on Disabilities (WMCD), established in 2022, proactively addresses barriers impeding the lives of people with disabilities in Westfield through education, advocacy, and events. For more information, visit westfieldmcd.com.