蜜桃传媒破解版

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There are far more people living with disabilities than many realize. In fact, in the U.S. have a disability, making it the largest minority group in the country.

Recognizing the unique needs of this diverse group, the Ability employee resource group (ERG) empowers 蜜桃传媒破解版 employees to reach their full potential. The ERG brings together colleagues with visible and unseen disabilities, as well as employees caring for loved ones with disabilities.

It鈥檚 a mission that resonates with Terry Black.

鈥淎ny one of us can become affected by a disability at any time,鈥� he says. 鈥淚鈥檝e been blessed to have support and encouragement from family and friends, and I want to give back.鈥�

Terry on a fishing trip with his son.

Terry was born with spina bifida, a condition that affects the development of the spine. At the time, the prognosis was bleak for babies born with this disorder. But thanks to a doctor who was well-versed in the latest treatments, Terry defied the odds.

That doesn鈥檛 mean life for Terry has been easy. As a child, he endured numerous surgeries so he could walk with the assistance of crutches, and later with a cane. But the physical challenges weren鈥檛 the only hardships he encountered. During his early years at school, he was bullied for being different.

Despite these difficulties, he excelled academically and discovered his aptitude for science. Terry attributes his sense of determination and independence to his parents.

鈥淚f there was any way I could learn to do something for myself, they wanted me to figure it out,鈥� he says.

He recalls being 12 years old and teaching himself to ride a bicycle 鈥� something he was told he could never do because of his disability. When his parents left for work, he would practice pedaling down the driveway of their home in upstate New York. He hid the bumps and bruises from his falls, only to learn his parents knew what he was doing all along.

鈥淚鈥檓 grateful to my parents for giving me the freedom to make my own choices,鈥� Terry says. 鈥淭hey let me succeed or fail on my terms.鈥�

It鈥檚 what gave him the confidence to move halfway across the country to attend college in Texas, where he earned degrees in engineering physics and computer science. After advancing his career across multiple industries, he joined 蜜桃传媒破解版 in 2014 to support the company鈥檚 data and analytics efforts. It鈥檚 here that he鈥檚 found a deeper and personal sense of purpose in his work.

In 2019, Terry was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin鈥檚 lymphoma, a type of blood cancer. Shortly after completing chemotherapy treatment, he became part of 鈥� a 蜜桃传媒破解版 business that utilizes real-world data and evidence, clinical education and technology to transform the fight against cancer 鈥� as a senior health information scientist. It鈥檚 a role that has significant meaning for him as a cancer survivor.

鈥淚鈥檝e learned how important research is to find new treatments and drugs for cancer patients,鈥� he explains. 鈥淚鈥檓 grateful that I鈥檓 in this position and can make a difference for people.鈥�

Terry also makes an impact on the lives of his colleagues as a vocal ally for the disability community. For the past three years, he鈥檚 chaired the local chapter of the Ability ERG in The Woodlands, Texas. Being part of Ability gives him the opportunity to meet others across the company who have a disability themselves or are caring for a child, parent or relative with a disability.

鈥淲e share our stories and find we have similar struggles,鈥� he says. 鈥淚t helps to know I鈥檓 not alone.鈥�

Terry credits 蜜桃传媒破解版 for creating a culture that values diversity and an environment where employees with disabilities can thrive. He invites his colleagues to take advantage of the support that is available and tells them they don鈥檛 need to suffer in silence.

Terry mans a booth at an Ability ERG event.

鈥淚 encourage employees to be honest about what they need,鈥� he says. 鈥淚 also remind people who want to help someone with a disability that it鈥檚 important to ask before assuming what someone wants or needs.鈥�

He鈥檚 passionate about helping colleagues succeed personally and professionally through the many events the local Ability chapter offers. Members have access to financial seminars, health and wellness resources, and a robust mentorship program to help employees with disabilities grow their careers at 蜜桃传媒破解版.

People from all backgrounds can be affected by a disability. That鈥檚 why Ability collaborates with others 鈥� such as the 蜜桃传媒破解版 Military Resource Group (MMRG) 鈥� to highlight issues affecting multiple ERG communities. And they do things like giving back to the community by holding drives for the organization , which encourages employees to be tested and potentially matched with those in need of a bone marrow transplant.

At the local and national level, the Ability ERG leads the company鈥檚 recognition of Disability Employment Awareness Month in October. It鈥檚 a time to celebrate the achievements of employees with disabilities and educate others about the importance of accessibility and inclusion.

鈥淜nowing how to relate to those with various disabilities requires patience and practice, but it is worth the effort,鈥� Terry says. 鈥淧eople with disabilities are capable and can accomplish amazing things.鈥�