Photo credit: www.nasa.gov

NASA’s Kathy Clark Reflects on a Legacy of Advocacy for Employees with Disabilities

Kathy Clark embarked on her professional journey at NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland right after graduating from high school. Faced with the option of becoming an accountant or pursuing a role in training, her decision was straightforward.

“I began in training, I’ve remained in training, and I foresee myself retiring in this field,” Clark stated. Now serving as a human resources specialist and the program manager for NASA Glenn’s mentoring initiative, Shaping Professionals and Relating Knowledge (SPARK), her passion for fostering human connections has been a driving force throughout her career.

As she celebrates her 41st year at NASA this October, Clark has consistently championed the interests of her colleagues. Previously, she dedicated over 12 years as chairperson of the center’s Disability Awareness Advisory Group (DAAG), which focuses on promoting equal employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. The group also aims to identify and remove workplace obstacles while enhancing awareness and ensuring accessibility within the facility.

Having recently stepped down from her role, Clark reflects on her impactful tenure and expresses hope that the next generation of leaders, including long-standing member and new chair Ryan D. Brown, will carry on its vital mission.

“Don’t Let a Disability Stop You”

Clark became involved with DAAG roughly 12 years into her career, a decision influenced by her own diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. Her leadership journey began after she facilitated the introduction of a traveling mural that highlighted the work of Ohio artists living with disabilities.

Under Clark’s leadership, the group achieved significant milestones, such as securing designated parking for employees with disabilities, moving away from a first-come-first-served system. She recalls how DAAG addressed other essential facility issues, including repairing a malfunctioning elevator and door that posed challenges for disabled employees. The group has also collaborated with human resources to implement best practices for interviews, organized speaker events, and provided a platform for members to share their experiences related to disabilities.

“I considered it an honor to chair the group and support our members, striving to make a difference and encouraging them to reach out if they needed assistance,” Clark emphasized. “Don’t let a disability stop you.”

“Let’s Go Above and Beyond”

As Clark prepared to pass the torch, Ryan D. Brown emerged as a standout candidate to succeed her. Brown’s connection to NASA began in 2006 when he participated in an Ohio program for individuals with disabilities that placed him as an intern at the center, eventually leading to a full-time role in accounting. He now serves as a lead in the financial systems branch.

Statistics from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate that over 25% of adults in the United States live with some form of disability, many of which are not immediately visible. Brown himself has an invisible disability related to learning, particularly in reading and writing. Through an early connection with a coworker involved in DAAG, Brown was inspired to reach out to Clark and join the group.

“Everyone faces challenges, whether or not they have a disability, so it’s essential to create an environment where open conversations are encouraged,” he remarked. “I’ve always valued advocacy for individuals and raising awareness, which aligns with DAAG’s mission.”

Now in his role as chair, Brown is committed to helping DAAG further its initiatives, which include developing resources for employees to assist in self-identification of disabilities. The group is also organizing awareness events aimed at illuminating the experiences and challenges faced by individuals with disabilities.

Moreover, DAAG continues to advocate for facility upgrades, currently working on acquiring automatic door openers for bathrooms in key areas within the center.

“We should strive to go above and beyond to ease accessibility for everyone,” Brown stated passionately.

“Make a Difference”

The group’s membership is on the rise, and Clark is optimistic about its future direction.

“I couldn’t have wished for a better person to succeed me as chair than Ryan,” she expressed.

Brown’s aspirations include promoting awareness about DAAG as a resource for employees and encouraging a broader understanding of the experiences of individuals with disabilities throughout the center. He finds motivation in the support he offers to others.

“We’re here for individuals who might hesitate to speak up or those facing challenges – they can always reach out to us,” Brown affirmed. “Our goal is to take action and truly make a difference.”

Source
www.nasa.gov