New Service Helps Deaf Employees

There’s been a huge improvement in accommodating deaf employees.

A program analysis master planning branch chief for Defense Logistics Agency Energy, Debra Simpson, is trying her best to get a tablet- and desktop-based remote explanatory service for deaf employee executed. At one touch of a button, a sign-language appears for a live video chat.

Simpson got the idea because of three astounding deaf employees that had a bit of a communication barrier between their success and achievement. She wasn’t always able to communicate with them and wanted to be able to give them the guidance they rightfully deserved. It saves her time and greatly helps the employees!

At the implementation of this, deaf employees get opportunities that they didn’t have before, and it excites them. They now have the ability to communicate all throughout the workplace, and the system is working well for them.

Simpson had to work with a lot of people to get this system implemented. She worked with DLA Finance Director Tony Poleo, Richie Busigo, and Deputy Director of DLA Information Operations Robert Foster. They even discovered a Defense Department-funded federal video relay contract that would offer the service at no cost.

This service is opening up doors for both the deaf employees and the employers. People are able to meet deadlines quicker and provide information to other employees. People that have never had to experience life with a disability can confuse it with other things sometimes such as intellect.

Simpson hopes to provide tablets to all 120 to 140 deaf employees. In addition to the employees, she wants those employees, their supervisors, teammates and everyone that they communicate with regularly to install a desktop-based application.

They’re one step closer to accomplishing Goal Area 2 of the DLA Strategic Plan that aims to “hire, develop and retain a high-performing, valued, resilient and accountable workforce that delivers sustained mission excellence.”