NEW CUMBERLAND, Pa. –
At DLA Distribution San Joaquin, California, our people are our greatest resource. It is imperative that we take care of all employees and the distribution center went one step further in obtaining a wheelchair accessible van to transport our disabled employees around the installation.
A brand-new van with side wheelchair lift accessibility was delivered to the installation March 14. DDJC’s disabled employees now have the same opportunity for transportation in and around the distribution center just like the rest of the workforce.
Donnette Baker, security assistant assigned to Pass and ID, understands that this van makes a difference for disabled employees and is appreciative of the efforts of the installation to make life a little easier on employees with physical limitations.
“A wheelchair accessible van allows me to travel throughout the installation with one less challenge. It truly makes a huge difference, enhancing the quality of life for wheelchair users, and it brings a positive change to our work environment. Having this wheelchair accessible van really means a lot to me and I’m sure other wheelchair users would agree,” said Baker.
The Motor Pool division has ownership of the Americans with Disabilities Act, or ADA, compliant van, and their next steps are to receive proper training to load and unload employees utilizing this transportation.
Baker understands firsthand what it is to have physical limitations and thanks everyone involved in the process of obtaining the needed wheelchair accessible van.
“Often people with little to no physical limitations live their lives pretty seamlessly, getting up, taking a shower, driving to work… living their lives never thinking about those of us with physical limitations and how we manage,” added Baker. “More often than not, people take their mobility for granted until they are faced with the same challenges that disabled people face,” she concluded.